Civil Defence update on power outage

The Auckland Emergency Coordination Centre is working closely with power companies, emergency services and other agencies to manage the prolonged power outage affecting parts of Auckland.

Vector advise that they expect to have some areas reconnected today but estimate it could take 24 to 48 hours to restore power to the suburbs of St Johns, St Heliers, Remuera, Mt Wellington and Sylvia Park. See map attached for expected restoration times.

For those who are reconnected today, Vector advises they should use power conservatively to help share available supplies.

Traffic lights are out at approximately 140 intersections and drivers are being asked to take extra care.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse is advising Aucklanders affected by the power outage to be patient particularly on the roads as Vector and other agencies work to restore power.

"The focus at this stage needs to be about restoring power as soon as possible while looking after the needs of people affected by the outage.”

Clive Manley, Civil Defence Controller says his priority is to provide assistance to those who are in most need and ensure that critical infrastructure continues to operate.

“We are in close contact with Vector, Transpower, Police and the Fire Service.”

Public transport is operating as normal but there are some delays to bus services.

Trains are operating but there may be issues at some stations with escalators, lifts and tag on/tag off posts. Staff are on hand to provide assistance.

Tomorrow morning Police will be on duty to direct traffic at key intersections.

There may be some delays and motorists should plan ahead and look at alternatives such as public transport, ride sharing and cycling/walking.

Auckland Transport will provide regular updates in the morning via the media and on Twitter @akltransport

Hospitals have been largely unaffected, except for Greenlane Hospital which is running on generator power.

Auckland District Health Board advises:
• All essential health services are operational and patient safety is not affected
• There are a number of patients in the community receiving therapy at home who rely on power and who are vulnerable to long-term outages
• These are people who receive:
o home-based respiratory services
o home-based dialysis
o intravenous therapy.
• Family members or friends should check on these people. If mobile they should be moved to a home that has power.
• If these patients at home are not mobile and they have concerns, they should telephone for advice from the Clinical Nurse Advisor at Auckland City Hospital. Phone 021 938 695.
• Patients with immediately life threatening concerns should call 111 for assistance.
• Elective surgery will proceed as planned tomorrow unless advised.

Expected restoration times 5pm.pdf

Ends

© Scoop Media