Media update #8 - Westland Civil Defence

WESTLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL – CIVIL DEFENCE & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Update 16.30 hours, Sunday 4 February

Civil defence personnel have been completing checks on isolated communities in the Westland District today, while crews from Electronet concentrate on restoring power to Fox Glacier and roading contractors continue repairing damage from Thursday’s storm.

Westland Duty Controller Chris Hawker says that the power is expected to be back on at Fox Glacier township by about 6.30pm.

Electronet reports another crew is working on outages further south, with supply likely to be restored to Mahitahi later tonight. By tomorrow night they expect to have the lights back on in Bruce Bay / Paringa as well.

Three clear days of testing will be required before residents and visitors at Fox Glacier and Arahura Pa can stop boiling their water. Mr Hawker says it could take until Wednesday or Thursday for that to be achieved. In the meantime, tap water from both communities’ water supplies must be boiled for at least 2 minutes. If there is no means available to boil the water, it can be made safe to drink by adding 2 drops of unscented household bleach to a litre of water, stirring and leaving it for 30 minutes.

With the exception of the access road to the glacier at Fox, all roads in the Westland District are open. Repair crews are still working in several places and drivers are reminded to take care and respect signage for reduced speed and single lanes.

Mr Hawker says that the current forecast for overnight rain is not of concern but the civil defence team will monitor the situation and respond if required. Westland District residents who have any emergency-related issues overnight can call the Westland District Council on 03 756 9010 or 0800 474 834.

ENDS

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