Police are continuing to support Civil Defence and other agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those affected by yesterday’s earthquakes and the continuing aftershocks.
There have been no major issues reported to Police overnight in relation to further damage or casualties caused by aftershocks or weather.
There have also been no law enforcement issues reported in Kaikoura.
All slip areas and areas where motorists have been stranded between slips has been checked and motorists evacuated. This will be checked again this morning to ensure that people have not returned to their vehicles.
Staff have been patrolling communities overnight, providing reassurance and advice to those affected. They have also been responding to business as usual matters and requests for assistance.
Ten additional Police officers from Auckland are due on the ground in Kaikoura this morning after their flight was turned back due to severe winds and turbulence last night.
The additional officers will provide support to the emergency response in the affected areas, as well as assist in general policing duties and community patrols.
Police are still in the process of notifying the families of the two people who died following the earthquakes and will release their names once this process is complete.
“This has been a rough time for everyone and we encourage everybody in the community to look out for each other and check on their neighbours, especially the vulnerable,” says Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement.
“We urge everyone commuting into Wellington today to take care and allow time for their travel into the city, particularly on the roads while the weather warning remains place.”
Police urge everyone in the affected areas to continue to follow advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, as well as local civil defence and emergency services.
NZTA is keeping information on road closures and damage updated on their website and social media. Police advise people to check social media and news reports for updates on the condition of their area.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre