Some stats from Sunday

Peter Kreft at the MetService has kindly provided us with some statistics from Sunday's heavy rain event. In the hour from 11am to noon, the weather station on Mana Island recorded a whopping 39.2mm of rain, with a maximum rate in the middle of the worst downpours of 2.4mm per minute - no wonder there was flooding! The water was falling out of the sky faster than it could run off!

There is some stormwater system upgrades included in the draft annual plan - http://www.pcc.govt.nz/News---Events/Public-Consultation/Annual-Plan-2011-12 so don't forget to have your say on whether there needs to be more done or not.

And also, if you are ever having problems with stormwater flooding on your property, please call the council - 04-237-5089 (24hrs) It's one of our performance measures to respond to the problem within an hour of notification, but we have to be told there's a problem first, and we can't read minds!

It got really wet!

It got a bit more than just wet! There were streets flooded all over town, over a metre deep in places. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4815041/Porirua-drivers-stranded-in-floods And the library & Pataka are going to be closed for several days as the carpets need to dry out - they had two inches of water through them, and the staff were all hard at work with wet vacs trying to suck up all the water before it started affecting the books. One of the things we saw a lot of yesterday was kids playing in the floodwater - http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4815519/Playground-turns-into-pool-as-heavens-open This really isn't recommended as it's almost guaranteed to contaminated with sewage, and you wouldn't let your kids play in a septic tank would you?? There were also a report of a child falling down an open manhole where the cover had been blown off by the pressure of the water - fortunately someone was there to pull them out, but since it was completely underwater things could have gone badly wrong. Another complaint from people living near flooded intersections - don't drive through the floodwater! The waves created by vehicles passing through were washing into properties.

It's wet!

In case you haven't noticed we are experiencing some quite heavy rain! Ooh, and occassional thunder.

Please take extra care while driving, and watch out for surface flooding and slips!

Drop, cover & hold is the best advice

It's pretty much inevitable whenever there is a large earthquake somewhere in the world that an email will do the rounds about the so-called "Triangle of Life" as promoted by a man named Doug Copp.

The man himself is a fraud, and his theories have been discredited the world over, and are downright dangerous, so if you are guilty of forwarding that email to everyone you know, can you please also forward the links below - it will help save their lives.

This one is from the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management:

http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/earthquake_safety_advice-web.pdf?attredirects=0

And this links to an interesting dissection of the main points - http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/Petal_on_Copp.pdf

Drop, cover & hold is still the best advice.

Tsunami propagation - March 11 2011

Cancellation of National Tsunami Warning

Tsunami Warning cancelled:

According to scientific advice , no further tsunami threat exists for New Zealand coastlines as a result of the earthquake in Japan. Nonetheless minor fluctuation in sea level may continue for up to 48 hours and caution is required on beaches and in marine environments.

From update 19 - Tsunami Warning still in effect

The arrival of waves has been tracked by the tidal guages at the New Zealand coast. For locations in the North Island, tsunami waves of amplitudes up to 70 cm continue to be recorded. There have also been reports of significant tidal fluctuations. The Chatham Islands has recorded sea level changes in excess of 1 metre. Modelling of this event suggests that the amplitude of the waves should now begin to decrease. MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation and will be reviewing the level of threat over the next couple of hours.

Highlights from update 18

The arrival of waves has been measured by tidal gauges at the New Zealand coast. At Raoul Island the first arrival was recorded at 0635 hours today and at North Cape at 0710 hours. Initial wave amplitudes were in the order of 15cm but with measurements of amplitudes of up to 60cm over the last six hours. There have been reports of some locations (such as harbours and bays) experiencing tidal surges and greater wave amplitudes (of up to 1 metre). Modelling indicated that the highest wave amplitudes were expected to occur until around 1300 hours today. There are suggestions that the amplitude of the waves is beginning to decrease in accordance with the forecast provided by the modelling for this event.

Highlights from update 16

The arrival of waves has been measured by tidal gauges at the New Zealand coast. At Raoul Island first arrival was recorded at 0635 hours today and at North Cape at 0710 hours. Additional arrival times have been detected for the North Island and Chatham Islands. Initial wave amplitudes were in the order of 15cm but with measurements of up to 40cm over the last four hours with some harbours reporting amplitudes of up to 50cm and tidal surges. Modelling indicates that the highest wave amplitudes are expected to occur in the period from now until around 1300 hours today. The pattern of wave arrival closely matches that forecast by the modelling that has been undertaken for this event.

Update 12

Summary

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for New Zealand in response to the above earthquake. Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated. Wave heights of up to 4 metres have been measured in coastal Japan.

First arrivals have been measured by coastal gauges at the New Zealand coast. At Raoul Island Kermadecs first arrival was recorded at 0635 hours today and at North Cape at 0710 hours. Initial wave amplitudes are in the order of 15cm. It is important to note that higher wave amplitudes are expected to follow in the next few hours based on modelling.

The New Zealand Tsunami Expert Panel assessment is that there is a marine and minor land threat only for parts of the upper North Island coasts of New Zealand.

Based on real-time tsunami modelling and comparison with historical events, the interpretation is that a minor land threat (i.e. wave heights just over 1 m) now exists in Northland between Ahipara and the Karikari Peninsula as well as in the Bay of Islands and the Chatham Islands. A minor land threat means there is a small potential for impacts on beaches in these areas. A marine threat (i.e. threat to the coastal marine area and small boats) remains in place for the northern North Island from Kaipara to Ahipara and south of the Karikari Peninsula to Gisborne. Unusual tidal surges may be observed in other parts of the country.

As at time of issue of this update (#12), passage of the wave through the South Pacific has been observed. Wave heights observed in the Pacific islands confirm the current threat assessment for New Zealand.

The first wave to arrive to New Zealand was calculated to be in the area around North Cape at approximately 0623NZDT 12 March 2011. First arrival at North Cape indicates that actual arrival times may be up to an hour later than the modelled times published (previously).

A tsunami is a series of waves or surges and the first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. The largest arrivals are anticipated from about 0800 NZDT and expected to last for several (at least five) hours. Tsunami activity such as unusual currents and changes in sea-level will continue for several hours after first arrivals. Tsunami wave heights cannot be accurately predicted and can vary significantly along a coast due to local effects.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches

2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)

3. Do not go sightseeing

4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates

6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Update - from Update 11

Apologies for the gap

Summary

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for New Zealand in response to the above earthquake. Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated. Wave heights of up to 4 metres have been measured in coastal Japan. Wave heights of 0.2 m have been observed in Nauru and Honiara.

The New ZealandTsunami Expert Panel assessment is that there is a marine and minor land threat only for parts of the upper North Island coasts of New Zealand.

Based on real-time tsunami modelling and comparison with historical events, the interpretation is that a minor land threat (i.e. wave heights just over 1 m) now exists in Northland between Ahipara and the Karikari Peninsula as well as in the Bay of Islands and the Chatham Islands. A minor land threat means there is a small potential for impacts on beaches in these areas. A marine threat (i.e. threat to the coastal marine area and small boats) remains in place for the northern North Island from Kaipara to Ahipara and south of the Karikari Peninsula to Gisborne. Unusual tidal surges may be observed in other parts of the country.

As at time of issue of this update (#11), passage of the wave through the South Pacific has been observed, however there is no indication of wave arrival in the Kermadec islands. Wave heights observed in the Pacific islands confirm the current threat assessment for New Zealand.

The first wave to arrive to New Zealand was calculated to be in the area around North Cape at approximately 0623NZDT 12 March 2011. Monitoring of the propagation of the tsunami across the Pacific indicates that actual arrival times may be an hour later or more than the modelled times published (previously).

A tsunami is a series of waves or surges and the first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. The largest arrivals are anticipated from about 0800 NZDT and expected to last for several (at least five) hours. Tsunami activity such as unusual currents and changes in sea-level will continue for several hours after first arrivals. Tsunami wave heights cannot be accurately predicted and can vary significantly along a coast due to local effects.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches

2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)

3. Do not go sightseeing

4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates

6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Update 6 - Tsunami: Marine & Minor Land Threat to NZ

Summary from the latest update

Summary: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for New Zealand in response to the above earthquake. The New Zealand Tsunami Expert Panel assessment is that there is a marine threat for New Zealand. A marine threat means strong and unusual currents are possible in the sea, river mouths and estuaries, and unusual wave activity is possible at the beach.

Confirmation has been received that a tsunami was generated. Wave heights of up to 4 metres have been measured in coastal Japan.

Based on real-time tsunami modelling and comparison with historical events, the interpretation is that a minor land threat (i.e. 1-3m wave heights) now exists in Northland between Ahipara and the Karikari Peninsula as well as in the Bay of Islands and the Chatham Islands.

A marine threat (i.e. threat to beach and small boats) remains in place for the northern North Island from Kaipara to Ahipara and south of the Karikari Peninsula to Gisborne.

The first wave to arrive to New Zealand will be in the area around North Cape at approximately 0623NZDT 12 March 2011. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest.

The largest arrivals are anticipated from 0800 NZDT and to last for several (at least five) hours.

Wave height refers to maximum water level relevant to the normal sea level at the beach. Tsunami activity such as unusual currents and changes in sea-level will continue for several hours.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

People in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches

2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)

3. Do not go sightseeing

4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends

5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates

6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand. This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media..

Latest info - no significant threat to Porirua

Saturday 12 March 2011 - 00:37 hrs (12.37am)

Most recent information from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management indicates reduced likelihood that Porirua will be significantly affected by this event.

We still recommend that people stay out of the water and off beaches for the next 24 hours, as tidal currents may still be unpredictable.

Porirua Emergency Management Office will continue to monitor the situation.

Further information can be found by visiting www.pcc.govt.nz, or listening to your local radio station.

This message has been authorised by Mike Chapman, Local Controller

Tsunami Warning – Evacuate RED ZONE

Friday 11 March 2011 - 23:25 hrs (11.25pm)
Tsunami Warning – Evacuate RED ZONE

A Tsunami Warning has been issued for New Zealand.

An earthquake measuring 8.9 has occurred near East Coast of Honshu, Japan.

A tsunami has been generated by this earthquake and the first waves are estimated to reach Porirua at approximately 8:00am, Saturday 12 March 2011.

A tsunami is a series of waves or surges, and the first wave is usually not the largest.

The size of this tsunami requires the evacuation of the RED ZONE. You must leave this zone before 5am Saturday 12 March 2011 and not return for at least 24 hours. Wait for the all-clear to be given.

The RED ZONE includes the harbour, and all beaches and shorelines around Porirua. It does not include properties. Do not go boating or swimming until the all-clear has been given by authorities.


Further information can be found by visiting www.pcc.govt.nz, or listening to your local radio station.

This message has been authorised by Mike Chapman, Local Controller

Update 4 - National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New Zealand Update: Marine Threat confirmed

National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New Zealand Update: Marine Threat confirmed

No: 04

Issued at 2300 hours on 12/03/2011

Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

A tsunami marine warning is in effect for New Zealand:The tsunami warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 0545Z 11 March 2011
NZ time: 1846NZDT 11 March 2011
Co-ordinates: 38.2 North 142.5 East
Depth: 24km
Location: Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan
Magnitude: 8.9

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

Summary:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for New Zealand in response to the above earthquake.

The New Zealand Tsunami Expert Panel assessment is that there is a marine threat only for New Zealand. A marine threat means strong and unusual currents are possible in the sea, river mouths and estuaries, and unusual wave activity is possible at the beach. No land threat is expected at this time. Historical events and pre-calculated tsunami models indicate that the largest effects (less than 1m wave height at the coastline) is expected along the coasts of the central and northern North Island (i.e. from East Cape northwards and from Kaipara northwards). First arrivals in the upper North Island are expected to coincide with a low tide.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

Confirmation been received that a tsunami was generated. Wave heights of up to 4 metres have been measured in coastal Japan.

The first wave to arrive to New Zealand will be in the area around North Cape at approximately 0623NZDT 12 March 2011. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest.

Tsunami activity such as unusual currents and changes in sea-level will continue for several hours.

People in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Information for emergency managers:Estimates of expected wave arrival times are as follows:

Note: These times are provisional and based on the best information available. Arrival times may be as much as one hour later and may be adjusted in subsequent messages.

Location Estimated Wave Arrival Time
Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
Chatham Islands-Waitangi 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
North Cape 0623NZDT 12 March 2011
Whangarei No information
Auckland (West) 0723NZDT 12 March 2011
Mt Maunganui No information
East Cape 0723NZDT 12 March 2011
Gisborne 0729NZDT 12 March 2011
New Plymouth 0808NZDT 12 March 2011
Napier 0817NZDT 12 March 2011
Wanganui No information
Wellington 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
Nelson 1115NZDT 12 March 2011
Marlborough Sounds No information
Westport 0837NZDT 12 March 2011
Greymouth No information
Lyttelton 1003NZDT 12 March 2011
Timaru No information
Milford Sound 0747NZDT 12 March 2011
Dunedin 0929NZDT 12 March 2011
Bluff 1020NZDT 12 March 2011
Stewart Island No information

Useful websites: http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/ http://www.getthru.govt.nz/


Issued by: Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.

End of Message

National Warning: Tsunami Threat to New ZealandUpdate: Marine threat confirmed

Apologies for the formatting...


No: 03
Issued at 22:00 hours on 11/03/11

Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

A tsunami marine warning is in effect for New Zealand:The tsunami warning will remain in effect until a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 546Z 11 March 2011
NZ time: 846NZDT 11 March 2011
Co-ordinates: 38.2 North 142.5 East
Depth: 24km
Location: Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan
Magnitude: 8.9

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

Summary:
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for New Zealand in response to the above earthquake. The New Zealand Tsunami Expert Panel assessment is that this is a marine threat only for New Zealand. A Marine Threat means strong and unusual currents are possible in the sea, rivers and estuaries. No land threat is expected at this time.
Historical events and pre-calculated tsunami models indicate that the largest impact (up to 1 m wave height at the coastline) is expected along the coasts of the central and northern North Island (i.e. from East Cape northwards and from Kaipara northwards). First arrivals in the upper North Island are expected to coincide with a low tide.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

Confirmation been received that a tsunami was generated. No wave heights are available at this time.The first wave to arrive to New Zealand will be in the areas around North Cape at approximately 0623 12 March 2011.

The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Waves will continue for several hours.

People in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

This warning has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Information for emergency managers:

Estimates of expected wave arrival times are as follows:

Note: These times are provisional and based on the best information available. Arrival times may be as much as one hour later and may be adjusted in subsequent messages.

Location Estimated Wave Arrival Time
Chatham Islands-Kaingaroa 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
Chatham Islands-Waitangi 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
North Cape 0623NZDT 12 March 2011
Whangarei No information
Auckland (West) 0723NZDT 12 March 2011
Mt Maunganui No information
East Cape 0723NZDT 12 March 2011
Gisborne 0729NZDT 12 March 2011
New Plymouth 0808NZDT 12 March 2011
Napier 0817NZDT 12 March 2011
Wanganui No information
Wellington 0753NZDT 12 March 2011
Nelson 1115NZDT 12 March 2011
Marlborough Sounds No information
Westport 0837NZDT 12 March 2011
Greymouth No information
Lyttelton 1003NZDT 12 March 2011
Timaru No information
Milford Sound 0747NZDT 12 March 2011
Dunedin 0929NZDT 12 March 2011
Bluff 1020NZDT 12 March 2011
Stewart Island No information

Useful websites: http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/ http://www.getthru.govt.nz/


Issued by: Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.

End of Message

Update 2 - National Advisory: Tsunami Potential Threat to New Zealand

National Advisory: Tsunami Potential Threat to New Zealand
No: 02
Issued at 20:43 hours on 11/03/11.

Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

A tsunami potential threat advisory is still in effect for New Zealand:

The tsunami advisory will remain in effect until it is upgraded to a national warning or a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 0545Z 11 March 2011
NZ time: 1846 NZDT 11 March 2011
Co-ordinates: 38.0 North 142.9 East
Depth: 10km
Location: Near East Coast of Honshu, Japan
Magnitude: 8.8

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

Summary:The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Warning for New Zealand in response to the above earthquake. However, New Zealand, for the moment will remain under a potential threat advisory.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand. Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying a local threat assessment.Confirmation has not yet been received that a tsunami was generated. A tsunami is possible.

If a damaging tsunami for New Zealand has been generated, the first wave may arrive in New Zealand in the areas around North Cape at 0614NZDT 12 March 2011. The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest. Waves may continue for several hours.

People in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine whether a tsunami has been generated and to assess the severity of the threat to New Zealand. More information about this event will follow.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Useful websites:http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/http://www.getthru.govt.nz/

Further information:
A further update with more information will follow within the next hour. Until a cancellation is issued updates will continue at least hourly.

Issued by: Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.

End of Message

National Advisory: Tsunami - Potential Threat to New Zealand

National Advisory: Tsunami - Potential Threat to New Zealand

No: 01
Issued at 19:52 hours on 11/03/2011.

Issued by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM).

A tsunami potential threat advisory is in effect for New Zealand:The advisory will remain in effect until it is upgraded to a national warning or a cancellation message is issued by MCDEM.

An earthquake has occurred with these parameters:
Origin time: 0546Z 11 March 2011
NZ time: 1846NZDT 11 March 2011
Co-ordinates: 38.0 North 142.9 East
Depth: 10km
Location: Near East Coast of Honshu Japan
Magnitude: 7.9

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

NOTE: Magnitude revised to 8.8

Summary:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Watch - in response to the above earthquake.

Only messages issued by MCDEM represent the official warning status for New Zealand.

Local civil defence authorities may supplement these messages by applying local threat assessments.

A tsunami is possible. MCDEM and scientific advisors are assessing the severity of the threat to New Zealand.

People in coastal areas should:
1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

MCDEM and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation to determine whether a tsunami has been generated and to assess the severity of the threat to New Zealand. More information about this event will follow.

This advisory has been issued to all local civil defence authorities, emergency services, other agencies and media.

Further information:A further update with more information will follow within the next hour. Until a cancellation is issued, updates will continue at least hourly. All further updates will be communicated by MCDEM via the national warning system.

Media enquires to 04 494 6951.

Useful websites:http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/http://www.getthru.govt.nz/


Issued by: Message authorised by the National Controller, Civil Defence Emergency Management.

End of Message

And another local quake

Another quake that I didn't notice.

I am feeling really sorry for anyone who came to Wellington to escape the aftershocks!

The following earthquake has been recorded by GNS:

Reference number: 3473493/G
Universal Time: 2011/03/03 23:55:29
Local time (NZDT): 12:55 PM on Friday 04 March 2011
Latitude, Longitude: 41.07S, 175.09E
NZ Map Grid (E, N): 2685000, 6013000
NZ Trans Merc (E, N): 1775000, 5451000
Location: 10 km north of Upper Hutt
Focal depth: 30
Magnitude: 3.7
Web page: http://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/3473493g.html
Web service: http://www.geonet.org.nz/services/quake/3473493g

Felt in the Wellington region

Help us by registering with the Red Cross

If you have friends or family staying with you who have left Christchurch, could you please pass this on to them.

If you have moved away from Christchurch it is important that you register with the Red Cross.
If you have already registered with Red Cross, please call them to update your details if you have moved house or have found temporary accommodation.

This is because:

• It will enable us to send you information about what is happening
• We can target services to those who have experienced the earthquake
• We will be able to increase the funding that is allocated to agencies working in your area
• It will assist the Red Cross Family Link team in reuniting lost friends and family.

To register contact your local council or phone 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 726). If you already have a Red Cross Registration Number it will help to have this on hand.

A new builidng would be nice!

"The people in charge of organising the response to a civil emergency in Porirua are based in buildings that might not be useable after an earthquake. "

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4730026/Wellington-disaster-centres-on-shaky-ground

It's true, we don't have a purpose-built building designed to withstand an earthquake like the one that struck Christchurch (mind you, a peak ground accelleration of 2.2 times gravity is more than even the current building code allows for). We can dream of working out of an indestructable building, but the ratepayers have to indicate that this is important enough that they are willing to bear the cost.

The fact that our building may be unusable is one of the reasons why we have a completely portable system - we can work out of a marquee in the middle of a paddock if we have to.

All of our two-way radios come in robust suitcases and each run from a charged battery that will last for up to 24 hours, or they can be plugged into a generators, or run off a car battery, or use the 9V plug in the car.

Our laptops are also stored in similar suitcases, so we can pull then from the rubble if we have to, they will run off their batteries until we get the generator going. Staff can also bring in their own laptops and connect if required.

The new Emergency Management Information System runs over the internet, so when we lose access to land-based broadband we can either switch to mobile broadband, or plug in our satellite unit, which also gives us phone capability through Voice Over IP (VOIP).

And of course if all technology fails, paper & pencils will still get the job done!

Another local quake

Apparently we had another local quake last night, but I know I slept right through it.

The following earthquake has been recorded by GNS:

Reference number: 3473252/G
Universal Time: 2011/03/03 13:19:20
Local time (NZDT): 02:19 AM on Friday 04 March 2011
Latitude, Longitude: 41.07S, 175.10E
NZ Map Grid (E, N): 2687000, 6013000
NZ Trans Merc (E, N): 1777000, 5451000
Location: 10 km north-east of Upper Hutt
Focal depth: 30
Magnitude: 4.7
Web page: http://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/3473252g.html
Web service: http://www.geonet.org.nz/services/quake/3473252g
Widely felt in the lower North Island and upper South Island.

Don't forget to fill in the report, if you were awake enough to feel it.

Severe Weather Warning - Heavy rain tomorrow

MetService has issued us a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rain tomorrow.

Rain should become heavy during Friday morning. In the 15 hours from 9am Friday
till midnight Friday, expect 100 to 150mm about high ground. Peak intensities
around 20-30mm in squally, thundery falls Friday afternoon.

This is likely to cause surface flooding around our area, so take care when driving, and don't forget to call for help if it's causing a problem somewhere.

It’s easy to make a household emergency plan

Latest media release from the Wellington Region...

Recent tragic events in Christchurch should reinforce to all of us the benefits in having a household emergency plan, Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Chairperson Jenny Rowan said today.

“An effective household emergency plan only takes a few minutes to prepare and can take a lot of stress out of the period that follows a natural disaster or major household emergency,” Jenny Rowan said.

“It’s important that families or flatmates prepare these plans together so that everybody knows what to do and where things like survival items are located.

“The Wellington Region CDEM Group has prepared an award winning 12 step guide booklet called It’s Easy. Copies of these are available for free at all city, district and regional council offices throughout the region and can be downloaded online at www.getprepared.co.nz

“Households should also regularly add emergency items to weekly shopping lists and make sure they have enough water stored to last three days. That helps spread the cost of these across the year and also ensures that items with an expiry date are regularly replaced.

“Being well prepared for an emergency is easy. All that’s needed is a commitment to making a plan,” Jenny Rowan said.

A quake of our own?

I could have sworn I just felt an earthquake - one that didn't originate in Christchurch thankfully! At least none of my Christchurch friends on Facebook felt anything, it had me slightly panicked for a second.

Still waiting for the Geonet report to see where and what size.

EDIT: 4.5, MM5, focal depth 40km, 20km Northwest of Wellington