COMMUNITY UPDATE Wednesday 22nd October 5:27 pm

CANTERBURY STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION

• At the request of Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group supported by the 11 territorial authorities, the Minister has declared a precautionary State of Emergency for Canterbury effective from this afternoon due to predicted winds and rain across the region.

WELFARE:

• No injuries or fatalities have been reported.
• FENZ have confirmed that evacuated residents can return to their properties at 5pm today but need to remain vigilant and ready to move if the fires pick up again.
• For any immediate welfare concerns please contact Sarah on 027 259 7165
• Takahanga Marae is closing this evening as there is currently no one needing overnight accommodation. They are prepared to reopen if needed.
• For any emergency, fire or hot spot concerns ring 111.

FIRE:

• Multiple fire crews are still operating. Fires have been contained but ongoing fire control is still occurring and will continue overnight.

ROADING & RAIL

• SH1 has reopened north under traffic management and is open to the south. People still need to be vigilant for hazards on the roads.
• Inland Road is open to resident’s traffic but will be reassessed tomorrow for through traffic.
• Roads that are closed between Old Beach Road and SH1 include Factory, Skevingtons, Hapuku and Wilderness Roads.
• Trees are down on Clarence Valley and Waipapa Roads
• Rail lines have been reopened under speed restriction.

WATER:

• All supplies have been returned to service apart from Clarence and parts of Fernleigh which are still being worked on. People should conserve water use.

POWER

• MainPower are assessing damage and are prioritising the main power lines. Power is likely to remain off another night.
• People need to prepare for the fact that power may be off for several days.
• Continue to treat any powerlines down or around you as still live and report to 111

SCHOOLS:

• All schools are closed tomorrow Thursday 23 October.

WEATHER PREDICTIONS:

• Kaikoura now has a strong wind warning red for tomorrow with winds picking up from midnight tonight. We are not anticipating the same extent of rain as predicted elsewhere in the region.
• A full fire ban is in place across the District. All fire permits have been revoked, and the ban remains in effect until 8:00 Monday morning.
• Residents are advised against any non-essential travel.