DOC urges caution in the outdoors following quakes
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
DOC is checking the safety of facilities, tracks and huts across the country in the aftermath of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake centred in North Canterbury and subsequent widespread aftershocks.Date: 14 November 2016
Visitors are advised to stay away from DOC facilities in North Canterbury, Marlborough, Wellington and northern West Coast regions until further notice.
The Department has spent the morning ensuring staff are safe and well. DOC office buildings in Wellington and the Wellington Visitor Centre are closed today while building inspections take place. DOC’s Picton Office and Field Base in Hanmer Springs are also closed.
“DOC has a big task ahead in ensuring that all our facilities are safe for public use. This will take a while, particularly in the most heavily impacted regions. In addition, the Department is assisting emergency services and civil defence teams,” says DOC Deputy Director General for Operations, Michael Slater.
“We ask that people please take care at visitor sites in the quake-affected areas over the next week. This is particularly important with ongoing aftershocks likely and weather warnings in place for the West Coast, Marlborough and the southern North Island.”
The MetService has issued severe weather warnings for this afternoon and evening. Heavy rain is forecast for west of South Island from Monday afternoon and for central and southern North Island high country on Tuesday. Severe gales from Monday evening for Wellington, Marlborough and Wairarapa. People in these areas are advised to look out for rapidly rising streams and rivers, slips and surface flooding.
Updates will be placed on the DOC website when further information is available. See Alerts and important notices.
Report any safety issues to the DOC hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
Contact
Media please note: DOC will not be available for interviews at this time. We will issue a further update when more information comes to hand.
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Email: media@doc.govt.nz