Canterbury - 3.50am Civil Defence earthquake update

Monday 14 November 2016

Update: 3.50am

Christchurch Civil Defence and Emergency Management has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and is currently responding to the earthquake.

Civil Defence Controller John Mackie says people in low-lying coastal areas within one kilometre of the Canterbury coast are instructed to evacuate inland or head to higher ground. Tsunami sirens have been sounding for some time and there operation may be intermittent but the precautionary evacuation order remains in place.

“We are expecting wave heights of between three and five metres from Blenheim to Banks Peninsula. Waves may arrive over the next few hours.”

An evacuation centre is being set up at Linwood College. It is expected to be operational from about 4am.

Mr Mackie encouraged people to try to find friends and family to stay with if they can.

“Akaroa School Hall is also open for people who need somewhere to go in the Peninsula.”

Other centres will be opened in the city as required.

There are two rest homes in areas affected by the evacuation order. One has been evacuated and the other is progressing with moving residents out.

Civil Defence is also in contact with the port and has advised that large moored vessels are safer out at sea.

Police have a road blocks to prevent people going back to the coastal areas that may be affected by a tsunami. Residents will be advised when it is safe to return.

General advice:
- Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on.
- Help those around you if you can.
- Report injuries or fires to the emergency services (dial 111).
- Put out small fires. Evacuate your building if fires cannot be controlled.
- Do not go sightseeing and stay out of damaged buildings.
- It will take some time for emergency services to determine priorities and to respond accordingly. You may be on your own for some time.
- Listen to your radio for updates.
- Check out Facebook, Twitter or the website for updates.

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