Earthquake update from Selwyn District Council

Selwyn District Council from Selwyn District Council

Well done Selwyn people on getting safely through the night's events. Here's this morning's update from Selwyn District Council:

Selwyn District Council’s emergency operations centre has been stood down this morning after being activated overnight following the North Canterbury earthquake.

Approximately 75 people were evacuated from the settlements of Rakaia Huts and Taumutu/Fisherman’s Point. Residents from some other locations also self-evacuated.

Rakaia Huts and Taumutu/Fisherman’s Point residents have now been advised they may return to their homes.

An emergency centre was established at Southbridge Hall, with up to 60 people present overnight. The centre has now closed.

Civil Defence authorities advise that the tsunami warning remains in force, but only for marine and beach areas. That latest Civil Defence advice is that people should stay off beaches and out of the water for the next 24 hours, due to the risk of unpredictable strong currents.

There have been no reports to date of any significant damage in Selwyn to infrastructure, including roads or bridges. Crews are currently out inspecting the roading network.

There have been no reports of damage or disruption to council water supplies.

Refuse collection is scheduled to proceed as normal today.

Council facilities including Selwyn Aquatic Centre, Lincoln Event Centre, Rolleston Community and Selwyn libraries will open as usual today.

The Council has offered equipment and personnel assistance to councils in other affected areas.