Event: Tornado Emergency in Taranaki Media release no: 15 Date/Time:

10 July 2007

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Extent of damage still being revealed

Calls are still coming in about damage from last week’s tornadoes, says Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Recovery Manager Bev Raine.

“We are receiving calls from residents who have sustained damage to property, in particular in rural communities, and hoping to resolve this.

“We are aware that there could be others who have also sustained some damage. We would encourage them to contact us.”

“We are also receiving requests for accommodation, which are being referred to the appropriate department.”

Some 73 homes are known to have been damaged in the tornadoes, mainly in Oakura but also in Motunui, Stratford, Hawera, Kaponga, Okaiawa, Normanby and Rahotu.

In addition, it’s estimated hundreds of trees have been downed, particularly in South Taranaki.

The Welfare Centre established at the Oakura Bowling Club will remain open from 10am to 4pm until Friday, with Ministry of Social Development staff on hand.

The welfare helpline is 0800 779 997.

The Ministry of Social Development says assistance for people affected by the tornadoes can include:

Emergency payments for food, clothing and bedding. Reimbursing people who have billeted evacuees. Reimbursements for items not covered by insurance, including food or damage to property. Payment for hotel-motel accommodation for evacuees.

By Saturday afternoon, nearly 70 calls had been fielded on the welfare helpline – from people offering assistance as well as people needing it.

“Offers include help for such things as food, blankets, labour for cleaning up, and we’ve also had inquiries from other parts of New Zealand about loved ones living in Taranaki,” Mrs Raine. The New Plymouth District Council is continuing to deal with rubbish and debris in Oakura.

The state of emergency was lifted at 10am on Saturday 7 July.

Recovery Manager Bev Raine.

ENDS

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