CIVIL DEFENCE MEDIA STATEMENT

Earthquake Update – February 23 2011 – 6.00pm

Police have confirmed 55 fatalities, many individuals are still missing and further fatalities are expected from collapsed buildings as a result of yesterday’s 6.5 earthquake.

Rescue operations to locate and rescue those trapped in collapsed and damaged buildings remain top priority. Personnel and equipment are being deployed to support the treatment of injured and Christchurch hospitals are coping with current demand.

Considerable building damage has been reported in the Christchurch CBD and Lyttelton. A cordon has been placed around the central business district. Aftershocks are likely to lead to further building damage or collapse. Power, telecommunications and essential services continue to be disrupted.

National resources supporting local efforts include a NZ Defence Force C130 Hercules brought in to transport personnel and equipment to the Canterbury region. Additional search and rescue teams are being deployed to Christchurch from across the country.

Welfare centres have been set up at Burnside High School, Pioneer Stadium and Cowles Stadium to cater for support, advice or accommodation needs. A business hours drop-in centre has been set up at the Kaiapoi Community Centre Earthquake Hub in Sewell Street Kaiapoi.

The Government helpline (0800 779 997) is operating 24/7 and has received almost 5,000 calls. A Missing Person Enquiry Line has been established for domestic (0800 733 276) and international enquiries (+64 7 850 2199). All Child Youth and Family clients can call 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459) for assistance with concerns about a child or young person.

All schools are closed across Christchurch City until further notice.

People are advised that fuel is being brought into the city and will be available as per usual at petrol stations from tomorrow.

KEY PUBLIC HEALTH MESSAGES

People need to take the following advice to avoid getting sick with stomach bugs and other illnesses:

Drinking water

People living in Christchurch should assume that tap water is contaminated and unsafe to drink until advised otherwise by Council.

All tap water should be boiled for one minute before drinking, brushing teeth or washing/preparing food.

Councils will be testing water supplies intensively and will advise when the water is safe to use without boiling. Even though water may look clear, it should be treated as contaminated and unsafe to drink due to damaged underground water and sewage pipes. Do not use river water for drinking or washing.

The following locations are distributing water in addition to the six primary schools. There is a water tanker located in Hagley Park at the Harper Ave end, all other locations are pumping stations:

- Hagley Park (Harper Ave end)
- 67 Aston Drive
- 21 Grassmere St
- Corner of Hills Rd and Akaroa St
- 56 Glenroy St
- Intersection of Kerrs Rd and Woodham Rd
- 395 Worcester St (just east of Fitzgerald)
- 447 Montreal (just south of Bealey – in cordon)
The schools are:
- Redcliffs
- Phillipstown
- South New Brighton
- Shirley
- Wainoni
- Lyttelton Main

Residents are encouraged to walk if they can to keep traffic off the roads.

Currently there is no water supply to 80% of the city.

Water is a serious concern and we strongly advise people to conserve water so don’t:
o Shower
o Take baths, or
o Flush your loo.
• If it rains, please collect water in buckets.
• Continue to boil water.
• Save all your water for drinking.

Surface waters

People should avoid contact with sewage. Assume river, sea water and any other surface water is contaminated with sewage. People should stay away and not swim, fish or gather shellfish in the sea, Canterbury rivers or any standing water until notified it is safe to do so.

People who have sewage contamination within their homes should be advised to move to alternative accommodation.

Toilets

Conserve water if you have it - people are advised to flush toilets sparingly.

“If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown, flush it down.”

People who do not have a flushing toilet are advised to make a temporary toilet with a bin lined with two plastic bags. The bin should be covered between uses. The contents can be buried when the bin is no longer needed. Details of how to make a temporary toilet can be found at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/protecting-your-health-in-an-emergency

Hand washing

Wash hands frequently, particularly after using the toilet; before and after preparing food; handling rubbish or waste; cleaning toilets or bathrooms; handling soiled clothing or bed linen; or handling cleaning equipment such as cloths, buckets and mops. Where people do not have access to water, alcohol gel is a good alternative. Hands do not need to be dried if alcohol gel is used.

Dishwashers
Conserve water if you have it. If dishwashers are used, a full hot wash with detergent (not economy wash) must be used. Dishes must be allowed to dry fully prior to re-use.

Contact with neighbours/friends
People should be encouraged to look after each other. Advise people to keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other.

People who are unwell
Anyone with a minor injury or illness needing medical assistance should be advised to call their General Practice or nearest after hours surgery. The Emergency Department must be kept for emergencies only.

Listen to the radio for advice and information.

ends

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