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Media Release |
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Civil Defence systems are on stand-by at the Far North District Council as staff and contractors await the storm reportedly still on track to hit the district later tonight. The latest weather predictions are still for 80 to 100mm of rain between 9pm and 6am with up to 25mm per hour forecast to fall as part of a pattern of thunderstorms expected to follow the current front. The council has set up its Emergency Operations Centre so that it is ready to respond if and when required. Preparations for the predicted storm have continued throughout the day and the communities most likely affected have been contacted and incident control points set up at Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Paihia and Kaeo. The control points bring together the council, police and fire services to serve as the council’s eyes in each of the communities and ensure all services are working together. District Facilities General Manager Alastair Wells says welfare centres are also ready to respond at Kawakawa, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, Paihia, Rawene and Kohukohu St John Ambulance centres and also at Lonsdale Park near Kaeo. A further centre is being coordinated for the Broadwood area. Civil Defence Community Response Plans to help communities help themselves in emergencies have been established in 11 centres through the Far North during the last year. Many of these have contacted the council for advice over the last few days. Council staff have been out in the district all day monitoring today’s developments and will continue through the night. A stand of Redwood trees causing a potential threat to public safety at Kerikeri will also be monitored overnight. Contractors have been placed on standby and are ready with emergency signs and equipment to act when required. Conditions are hazardous with the potential for slips, partial blockages and flooding and there is a possibility motorists could become stranded by rapidly rising floodwaters. The council’s advice is for people to stay at home, monitor weather forecasts, prepare for floods in the communities known to be flood-prone and check both the Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council websites for ongoing information at www.fndc.govt.nz and www.nrc.govt.nz Information is also available through the district council call centre at 0800 920 029. NOTE TO MEDIA Go to top
Page created/updated: 29 July, 2008 |
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