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Red Cross team, building inspectors ready to leave

Wednesday 23 February 2011, 6:45AM

By Environment Southland

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CHRISTCHURCH

See our New Zealand Earthquakes page for ongoing updates - infonews.co.nz

Building inspectors from all three territorial authorities in Southland, along with a public information manager, are likely to be heading to Christchurch tomorrow (Wednesday 23 February) to help out following today’s earthquake.

Emergency Management Southland Advisor Craig Sinclair said eight building inspectors are on standby waiting for confirmation before they leave.

A public information manager is also likely to travel to Christchurch to help out with communications, while welfare staff, headquarters staff and the Red Cross rescue team were all available to be deployed immediately.

A fire crew from Invercargill has already left for Christchurch, with a police team and Red Cross team getting ready to go.

The Southland Emergency Operations Centre is in watching mode and will reactivate fully tomorrow morning at 7am.

“We will be on standby overnight to assist wherever we can,” Mr Sinclair said.

Southland Hospital has cancelled all elective surgery and is on standby to receive casualties.

The national helpline number for the Christchurch earthquake is 0800 779 997.

The 111 system is working again in Southland.

This message was authorised by Craig Sinclair, Southland Civil Defence Advisor