15 November 2016, 1015

Fire Service deploys safe drinking water resources to Kaikoura

The New Zealand Fire Service has deployed two water purification units and communications equipment to Kaikoura, which remains isolated following yesterday’s major earthquake.

National Response Co-ordinator Paul Turner says an additional eight personnel were airlifted to Kaikoura this morning.

The equipment will ensure a supply of safe drinking water in Kaikoura, and establish multi-agency satellite communications and internet for the disaster relief effort.

There are now 20 additional Fire Service personnel in Kaikoura, supporting and assisting members of the Kaikoura Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Fire Service National Response Coordinator Paul Turner said he is very proud of the work firefighters are doing.

“This is particularly so for our volunteers in Kaikoura who have done exceptional work looking after their community in very difficult circumstances.

“We’re continuing to support the regional responses from our National Co-ordination Centre in Wellington, and are working closely with the National Crisis Management Centre,” Mr Turner said.

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