2016 November Earthquake Appeal

In response to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near Hamner Springs last week, New Zealand Red Cross has activated an emergency operations centre in Christchurch to coordinate the response across the South Island.

• Red Cross has set up a November 2016 earthquake appeal, which has so far raised more than $1,000,000. Donations can be made at Redcross.org.nz/donate.

• All funds will be directed to help affected people recover from the disaster. Red Cross is working to assess needs to ensure the appropriate support continues to be provided to those impacted.

• More than 100 Red Cross field personnel have responded on the ground so far and 50 are currently on the ground assisting those affected by the earthquake.

• New Zealand Red Cross has so far reached hundreds of people with emergency aid, food, water, welfare checks and psychosocial support

• A Red Cross water and sanitation specialist is in Kaikoura and is delivering public health information to the local community including advising that there should be no showers, people should minimise the use of water, no waste water should go down any drains and people should boil or chlorinate water for consumption.

• In the five days since the quake, Red Cross disaster welfare support team volunteers have conducted welfare checks at approximately 300 houses in Kaikoura and distributed 500 food parcels. In Marlborough, volunteers have visited 174 houses, and are setting up three drop-in centres in Blenheim, Ward and Seddon.

• Red Cross team members are at the RAC at Kaikoura primary school completing welfare needs assessment, as well as at Kaikoura suburban school conducting welfare assistance and food parcels

• We also have team members out with USAR teams conducting welfare needs assessments, and team members doing targeted outreach and welfare needs assessments

• We are also providing PFA assistance in Waiau as well as a team traveling to Oaro from Christchurch to conduct needs assessment and PFA support

• At a rural community centre at Kaikoura Suburban School, about ten minutes north of the township, Red Cross has set up an emergency air shelter tent, and will provide the centre with water, food and other essentials, as well as daily information updates, to support the rural community.? With the assistance of the air force, Red Cross has positioned water bladders and tap stands, emergency generators, satellite communications and an Air Shelter inflatable tent and lighting kit in Kaikoura.

Other updates

• The New Zealand Red Cross National Office in Wellington was evacuated due to the danger of a neighbouring building collapsing. Staff are working from a temporary premises in the central city.

• Other buildings owned by Red Cross across affected areas are being assessed where needed. Red Cross has activated its Business Continuity Plan and will move to alternative offices where required.

• Other Red Cross community programs such as refugee programs are calling to check on clients in affected areas

• While still very much in the response phase, New Zealand Red Cross has already started early recovery planning, based on lessons learned after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

How to help

People wanting to help can donate to Red Cross' November Earthquake 2016 appeal. 100% of donations will go directly to the people affected by the disaster – Red Cross takes no admin costs.

• Donate online at www.redcross.org.nz/donate

• Text REDCROSS to 3181 to make an instant $3 donation.

• Donate at your local Red Cross or Red Cross Shop

• By post to: New Zealand Red Cross – Supporter Services, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

• Or by call 0800 RED CROSS

People who want to help those affected by the earthquakes are being asked to donate cash, not goods, to help. With infrastructure down, it is still difficult to transport goods and other items into the area and the team on the ground does not have the capacity to facilitate distributing. You can read more about this on our website https://www.redcross.org.nz/get-involved/support-people-need/emergency-appeals/.

Many people are asking how they can help if they are unable to give cash or not allowed to donate goods. Fundraising for the appeal is a good alternative. There are hundreds of ways people can fundraise – from walking around their office with a bucket, to creating a fundraising page, selling some homemade scones or muffins, setting a sporting challenge and seeking sponsorship, or having a mufti day at schools… More information can be found our website https://www.redcross.org.nz/get-involved/fundraise-help-others/fundraise-november-2016-earthquake-appeal/.

For more information and updates

• Please ensure that you follow us on Facebook for regular updates www.facebook.com/NewZealandRedCross and visit www.redcross.org.nz – information is posted regularly.

• Due to the earthquake and the evacuation of the Red Cross National Office, we are working in challenging and busy circumstances, please expect a delay to non-urgent enquiries. Contact communications@redcross.org.nz or 0800 RED CROSS