Strong local response to help quake victims

In the aftermath of Canterbury's destructive earthquake, Manawatu's trained emergency response teams rushed to help pick up the pieces.

Saturday's early morning quake measured 7.1 and was felt as far north as Palmerston North.

The earthquake caused widespread damage to Christchurch's buildings and infrastructure, cutting water and electricity to many homes.

Manawatu members of Search and Rescue, NZ Air Force, and Civil Defence arrived in Christchurch over the weekend to help in the emergency response.

Two Iroquois helicopters from No3 Squadron at Ohakea flew to Christchurch to complete aerial surveys to help with damage assessment, and also ferried down 42 Urban Search and Rescue personnel, half of whom came from Palmerston North.

Due to potential contamination of fuel at Christchurch Airport, a fuel tanker also headed from Ohakea to Christchurch to supply fuel for Air Force aircraft.

Members of the Palmerston North City Council Civil Defence team are also in Christchurch and Wellington helping to coordinate the emergency response.

PNCC head of Civil Defence Stewart Davies is one of those in Christchurch seeing first-hand the destruction caused by the earthquake.

"The biggest thing is people are so lucky in terms of damage. If it happened in the day-time there would be a lot of fatalities."

Armed Forces from Linton are also on stand-by in case their services are required.

Donations to the Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal can be made at any ASB branch, via internet banking direct to the appeal account or by calling 0800 803 804.

People can also donate at an ANZ branch (account number:1839-0188939-00) or at The National Bank (account number: 06-0869-0548507-00).

READY FOR THE WORST

Manawatu residents could expect similar levels of destruction of buildings and damage to essential infrastructure, such as water and electricity, if a major earthquake struck, PNCC Civil Defence head Stewart Davies said.

Many Canterbury residents lost power and water following the earthquake, forcing the unprepared to rush to supermarkets for life's essentials.

"It's a wake-up call and we have got to be really prepared," Mr Davies said.

"Everyone should be ready for a disaster by taking out insurance and having an emergency kit containing water, food, candles and a torch.

"Having the ability to look after yourselves for three days is key. It shows in an event like this that we are totally vulnerable."

- © Fairfax NZ News