Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

Tornado Emergency in Taranaki Media release no: 11 Date/Time: 1645 hrs 6 July 2007

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Clean Up Begins Residents of Taranaki are cleaning up after a series of tornadoes that have swept through the region. Lines crews have been busy restoring power supplies but as of 4pm today, 1000 properties were still without power, with supplies not expected to be restored for at least another 24 hours.

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller, Graham Young, said that the clean up in Oakura is going very well with 90% of the clean up being complete. “Residents who have tornado debris on their property can put this debris out on the kerbside before midday tomorrow (Saturday) and it will be cleared,” said Mr Young.

“We just ask that people don’t abuse the opportunity,” he said.

Large skip bins are available at the Pony Club car park in Oakura, and beside the primary school in Normanby for residents to dispose of storm debris. The Patea landfill will also be opened at the earlier time of 9am on Saturday.

Civil Defence inquiries should go to 0800 736 222. If people need welfare assistance they should call the Emergency Welfare number, 0800 779 997. For any emergencies the number is 111. Media releases are posted at www.trc.govt.nz. CDEM Group Controller Graham Young

ENDS

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