10.00am,
Wednesday 23 February 2011
Situation
update
Considerable damage has been reported in the Christchurch
Central Business District and in Lyttelton. The Christchurch
central city has been cordoned off and is not accessible.
Christchurch International Airport opened for
domestic flights at 8am this morning. Travellers are advised to go
to www.christchurchairport.co.nz
for the latest information on international and domestic departures
or to call their airline for flight details. Departing passengers
should not go to the airport unless they have confirmation their
flight is scheduled.
All other South Island and New Zealand airports are open
and operating.
International travelers planning to visit New Zealand are
advised that all regions outside of the Canterbury area remain
operational. As a precaution, travelers are advised to check with
their airline or travel agent before commencing travel.
People who have tickets for flights booked for
today
Travelers holding airline tickets are advised to check with
their airline or travel agent before commencing travel to the
airport.
Travelers not holding tickets for flights today but
wishing to leave Christchurch
Opportunities are being provided for visitors to leave
Christchurch by Civil Defence. This will help to free up
accommodation in Christchurch and also reunite people with friends
and family. People in this situation should make their way to
collection points at the Burnside High School
welfare centre, corner of Memorial Avenue and Greers Road or the
welfare centre at North Hagley Park. Please note, do not go to the
airport directly if you wish to be on these flights. Please go only
to the collection points.
Road status
All highways are open apart from Lyttelton Tunnel, State Highway
74 and Anzac Avenue Bridge for which a detour is available.
There are reports of major damage to local roads in the city and
liquefaction and surface flooding. There are also some road
closures in the Selwyn District.
Coach Services
Intercity Coach Services are operational and will depart from
the corner of Colombo St and Bealey Avenue in Christchurch.
Lyttleton Port status
The harbour is closed for at least 24 hours.
Next update
Tourism New Zealand will issue the next update at
approximately NZT 1.00pm - 23 February, 2011.
Useful contacts:
• A New Zealand Red Cross Person Enquiry Line should call
0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276)
• For people enquiring about family from outside New Zealand
should call +64 7 850 2199
• International Visitors in Christchurch who need assistance
should call 0800 779 997
• New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency
Management website,www.mcdem.govt.nz or http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
• Environment Canterbury's earthquake site athttp://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/.
• Christchurch Airport: http://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/
ENDS