MEDIA RELEASE

Update following this morning's earthquakes

14 November 2016

Palmerston North City Council engineers are checking local roads, Council facilities, and bridges for earthquake damage and at this stage no major issues have been uncovered.

PNCC City Enterprises General Manager Ray McIndoe says the Fitzherbert Bridge was checked.

“There was some superficial damage to a handrail but there are no other concerns and the bridge has been deemed safe.”

Mr McIndoe says Council’s main building has sustained some minor damage including to the air conditioning system’s cooling tower.

“Repairs are being undertaken right now.”

A Council structural engineer has completed a visual inspection to the main building and has found it to be safe.

“He’ll be making checks on other Council facilities as well.”

Water services staff members are also inspecting the city’s principal water source, the Turitea Dam.

“The dam and reservoirs are safe. They’ll also be looking at the city bores and pump stations. Right now, everything is operating as normal.”

Mr McIndoe says he recommends other property owners across the city check their buildings too after this morning’s series of strong earthquakes centred in the South Island.

ENDS

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