A large 7.5 magnitude earthquake has struck New Zealand at about midnight, causing damage and casualties. If you are affected and need information on where to find an evacuation centre or get other help, click here.
Emergency services are advising New Zealanders to stay informed – there is information available on radio, social media and television. If you are asked to evacuate, please do so following the instructions of civil defence and local authorities without delay.
There are power outages and some disruption to cellphone coverage, along with a tsunami warning still in place. Ongoing aftershocks are being widely felt, many are over 5 magnitude. Aftershocks can cause building damage and falling debris that could injure you, so take cover if your feel one.
If you receive information from a loved one in the affected area, pass it on to others who may be trying to contact them.
The quake struck 15 km northeast of Culverden in the South Island, at a depth of 15 km. Since then, there have been several severe earthquakes in the Seddon and Kaikoura region. Strong earthquakes have been felt in Wellington.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning and land threat from East Cape to Southland, including Wellington (which also includes the Cook Straight area), Marlborough Sounds/Tasman Bay and the Chatham Islands, and a marine and beach threat for all other New Zealand coastal areas.
Those living on the East Coast of the South Island and Wellington are being advised to head for higher ground. Stay off the beaches, out of the water and do no go sightseeing near the coast in these regions.
NZTA asking people to delay travel on SH1 between Picton and Christchurch and over the Lewis Pass. A number of section of SH1 and SH7 are closed due to slips and visible damage.
Evacuation centres currently open include:
• Christchurch – Linwood College at 85 Aldwins Rd has been set up for overnight accomodation, Akaroa School Hall is also open for people who need somewhere to go in the peninsula
• Marlborough – The following facilities are identified as Emergency Response Centres: Okiwi Bay Fire Station/Community Hall, Rai Valley School, Canvastown Te Hora Marae, Havelock School, Okaramio Community Hall, Renwick Community Hall, Wairau School/Community Hall, Linkwater Community Hall/Fire Station, Picton – Waikawa Marae, Rarangi Community Hall/Fire Station, Riverlands School, Seddon School, Ward School.
• Leithfield School in rural North Canterbury is filling with families seeking refuge
• Wellington – Biz Dojo is open now for people living in the CBD, and Houghton Valley School near the south coast is also open
For more information, click here.
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