Earthquake welfare information in 40 languages

Media Release 7 September 2010
09:35am

Earthquake welfare information in 40 languages

The Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Pansy Wong, has asked civil defence to encourage those with little or no English to use the emergency telephone help lines that have been set up in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.

The telephone help lines are now linked to “Language Line” which has professional interpreters in 40 languages.

The help line numbers are:
• Ministry of Social Development's Government help line 0800 779 997 for information about all government services and support
• Ministry of Health’s health line 0800 611 116
• Christchurch City Council public information helpline 03 941 8999

The Director of Civil Defence Emergency management, John Hamilton, said people have been calling for advice on what to do about damage to their homes, to ask if it is safe to travel, and to check on families and friends.

As people get past the initial shock, they will require information about income support, housing options, health issues, community assistance, clean up and how to contact any other services that people may need.

Online information is also available on www.ccc.govt.nz or www.languageline.govt.nz

ENDS

People can find practical information about what they can do to help themselves prepare for an emergency on the Ministry’s “Get Ready Get Thru” website www.getthru.govt.nz