GISBORNE CDEM GROUP EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE

MEDIA RELEASE

1pm, Friday, 13 March 2015 Release No: 2

Agencies prepare for Cyclone Pam

Gisborne emergency services are well-prepared for ex-tropical Cyclone Pam with plans in place to minimise the impact on the district and ensure people’s safety.

Representatives from more than a dozen agencies worked together this morning to develop a plan as to how each would respond to the major sea surges, rain and wind expected to accompany the aftermath of the ex-tropical cyclone.

The group included Gisborne Civil Defence Emergency Management, Gisborne District Council, Police, Fire, Eastland Group, St John, Tairawhiti Roads, Downer, Fulton Hogan and Tairawhiti District Health.

Manager Emergency Management Richard Steele says emergency services have plans well in hand just as people throughout the Gisborne district prepare themselves for the event,

Current forecasts show the cyclone may begin to affect the north of the district on Monday morning before moving south to Gisborne.

“At the moment, we are expecting the event to last until about late Wednesdayafternoon. People should be prepared for strong winds, large sea surges, some rain – although this is not expected to be significant -- coastal erosion, road closures and power loss.

“We advise people to tie down anything that might fly away, get enough food and water for three days and secure boat moorings.”

Already, freedom campers are being advised to pack up and leave coastal areas. People living or working next to the coast are advised to continue monitoring the weather reports and listening to the advice from Gisborne Civil Defence Emergency Management.

The planning session looked at the various issues facing emergency services and how these would best be managed. Road closures are expected, particularly at Tatapouri where State Highway 35 runs close to the sea.

“Large, forceful swells of up to eight metres could see seawater reach further inland than usual and people should be prepared for that. We don’t see Wainui beachfront properties as being at risk unless significant erosion occurs.

“Our communities are accustomed to looking after themselves,” he said.

Tairawhiti District Health and St John will identify people who may need to be hospitalised, such as people on dialysis, and move them to safe accommodation if required.

“We advise people to be prepared. Check you have batteries for your radio but if you don’t have a portable radio, remember you can listen to the radio from inside your vehicle.”

Information about road closures, welfare centres and how to be prepared is available on the council website, www.gdc.govt.nz

Other messages to help you get through are to:

• listen to Gisborne Civil Defence Emergency Management messages

• listen to local radio

• make sure you have sufficient water and food to last three days

• treat all power lines as live at all times

• clear gutters and drains on your property

• have matches ready to light gas appliances.

Helpful websites

www.gdc.govt.nz

www.getthru.govt.nz

www.metservice.com

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