Auckland responds to Christchurch earthquake

The Mayor says Auckland will do whatever it can to help the people of Christchurch in the wake of their devastating earthquake.

The Auckland Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) has been activated and is being staffed by a team of Civil Defence staff and Auckland Council volunteers.

This team is providing support to the National Crisis Management Centre (Wellington) and is on standby to send teams of support workers and experts to Christchurch if requested.

"Our role is to provide Christchurch and the people of Canterbury with whatever support they need, for as long as they need it," says Group Controller Harry O'Rourke.

"Our teams are on standby to assist with advice; technical experts like building inspectors and engineers; roading and transport engineers; and search and rescue teams," he says.

The following action has already been taken by the ECC:

· The Auckland-based National Incident Management Team is on stand-by awaiting further instructions.

· Auckland Council building inspectors are ready to deploy and additional inspectors are being sourced.

· Two response teams of 10 Civil Defence volunteers per team (Auckland Council officers) are standing by

· Auckland Fire Service, Police, District Heath Boards and Lifelines services are all assessing their capacity to provide support and placing teams on standby.
Len Brown sent a message to Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker this afternoon.

"We all have friends and family in Christchurch. Please take strength in the fact that our hopes and prayers are with you today," says the Mayor.

"An event of this magnitude takes months, if not years, to recover from and Auckland will be here for the long haul in its support for the people of Christchurch," he says.

ENDS

Useful websites

www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz

www.civildefence.govt.nz

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