25 August 2008 – 4.15 pm.
CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
MEDIA STATEMENT
Kaikoura Update
Heavy showers persist in North Canterbury around Kaikoura and Hurunui Districts. There are slips north and south of
Kaikoura; State Highway 1 is still open although only to one lane in places. The rail line at Billy Goat Bay is closed
due to slipping. There is surface water on roads and sandbagging has commenced in some areas of Kaikoura to control
surface run off into properties. Sandbags are available for the public Environment Canterbury’s office on Beach Road and
at local council offices.
Hurunui District Update
There are significant flows in the local rivers; however none of the rivers have breached their banks. There is surface
flooding around the district although it has not reached the same level as the July 2008 storm. Civil Defence and flood
controllers at Environment Canterbury are actively monitoring rivers and rainfall forecasts and will continue to do so
overnight. Hurunui District Civil Defence is also closely monitoring the situation at coastal beach communities.
Waimakariri District Update
Sandbagging has occurred in the Swanannoa and Lowburn areas. Waimakariri District Civil Defence will be monitoring the
situation throughout the night.
Selwyn District Update
There are significant flows in localised rivers that feed the Selwyn River, although no significant flooding is
anticipated at this stage. The fords are closing and the Selwyn District Civil Defence is closely monitoring the
situation at Selwyn Huts. There is some flooding to rural properties however; infrastructure remains unaffected in these
areas.
Hurunui and Waimakariri District Councils have activated their Emergency Operations Centres. The Canterbury Civil
Defence Emergency Management Group Emergency Coordination Centre will remain activated in support of affected districts
overnight. Other territorial authorities throughout Canterbury are monitoring this situation closely and will activate
if necessary.
ENDS