North Shore Events Centre open to receive evacuees

A tornado has severely affected the Albany Mega Centre on Auckland’s North Shore. The extreme weather event, which hit at approximately 3.15pm this afternoon, has caused damage to the buildings, including the mall, in the popular shopping area.

Auckland Civil Defence has set up the North Shore Events Centre (Corner Silverfield Lane and Porana Road, Glenfield) as an emergency welfare centre, with Work and Income, Victim Support and the Salvation Army.

People needing assistance should call 0800 463 010.

Initial reports indicate significant damage to commercial properties in the area.

Emergency services are in attendance and there are reports of the following casualties and fatalities:

• 1 confirmed fatality (not 2 as reported earlier)
• 14 injured
Mayor Len Brown has expressed his condolences to the families affected and says he is shocked by the extent of the damage.

The affected area includes Albany, Kaipatiki, Birkenhead and Glenfield, although reports of significant damage and injury are limited to the Albany Mega Centre.

Auckland Council’s Building Control Department has deployed building inspectors who have assessed the damage to commercial buildings. Damage to residential properties is also being assessed.

The Fire Service received 74 calls for assistance. The Fire Service has secured loose roof debris and assisted with tarpaulins on residential properties. There are 17 fire appliances on site.

Weather warnings for Auckland have been lifted by the MetService and they have advised that the weather system has moved south.
As at 6pm Auckland Transport advises the following transport impacts as a result of the tornado which struck Auckland this afternoon.
Roads presently impacted by tornado:
Rosebury Rd, Birkenhead is closed due to damage to houses.
The internal roads surrounding the Albany Mega Centre remain closed.
Albany Expressway (SH17): closed.
Bus services affected:
Hibiscus Coast services (R89*) are travelling in and outbound via Oteha Valley Rd.
Ritchies services that normally service the university R555, 560 and 880 are bypassing the expressway.
Kaipatiki Rd is expected to be closed until approximately 10pm.
Bus services affected:
R913 Northstar, R953 Birkenhead Transport
Expect delays to all the above services across peak hour. All will resume normal routes as soon as the road reopens.
There are no delays to Northern Express Bus services
Train services presently impacted:
Commuters should expect delays on the Western line as trains are running on 40kmph speed restrictions between Newmarket and Avondale.

For more information:

• Listen to your radio for civil defence information or any information.
• Check the Yellow Pages for more information.

Or visit:
• www.metservice.co.nz
• www.getthru.govt.nz

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