Storm damage in Chatham Islands
17
March, 2015
The
main wharf of the Chatham Islands has been badly damaged and people
are without power as the remnants of Cyclone Pam move in.
Cyclone
Pam over the Chatham Island- Photo: Metservice
A
state of emergency is in place, with the occupants of up to 20
coastal homes told to leave yesterday as a precaution.
Constable
Sam Coleman said high swells had taken out the wharf and power lines
were down.
He
said power had been lost in most of Waitangi and was likely to be out
for the next couple of days.
Mayor
Alfred Preece said trees had fallen across roads and the wharf at
Kaingaroa Village was taking a hammering in heavy seas.
He
said gusts there had already reached 100 kilometres an hour and were
forecast to reach upwards of 130 kilometres per our.
"So
we're hoping that it doesn't get anywhere [near] that because that's
more than likely going to cause some significant damage."
A
period of heavy rain of between 80 and 110 millimetres was also
predicted.
A
photo posted on Facebook shows the storm in the Chatham Islands
today.
Photo: Marlon
Thomas
Photo: Marlon
Thomas
Photo: Marlon
Thomas
Mr Preece said it was fortunate the Chathams had plenty of warning of Pam's approach.
"We've
asked people to secure their properties and make sure things like
trampolines are tied down.
"And
the fishing community have shifted their boats and secured their
boats on higher grounds, those that are one trailers."
The
storm was expected to lie about 260 kilometres northeast of the
Chathams early this afternoon and just to the east later tonight.
MetService
warned residents there to prepare for severe gales, heavy rain and
large swells.
They
were also urged to ensure they had enough food and clean water to
last several days.
Kaingaroa
Village resident Chris Morrison said the community was well-prepared
for stormy weather, but this could be serious.
"At
this stage it's probably bigger now than anything we've seen,
certainly since 1986 when the last significant damage occurred here."
More on this story Cyclone Pam: East Coast cleans up
Local
schools were closed and will likely remain closed tomorrow.
MetService
warned high winds, rain and heavy swells could last until Wednesday
night.
Civil Defence available to help
Civil
Defence Minister says the Defence Force will be available to help out
in the Chatham Islands if needed.
Nikki
Kaye said she had been in touch with the Defence Force, to let them
know they may be needed in the Chathams, depending on the severity of
the storm.
The now ex-cyclone pounded the East Coast of the North Island yesterday closing roads and forcing evacuatŠ¾ons.
Cyclone Pam hits New Zealand after devastating Vanuatu 16 03 2015
More
than 100 people have been evacuated from their homes on the East Cape
as Cyclone Pam brings rain, high winds and large swells.
After devastating Vanuatu, Cyclone Pam has been tracking along the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.
After devastating Vanuatu, Cyclone Pam has been tracking along the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.
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