20 Sep 2023
#COUNCIL NEWS
Earthquake
Update 5.20pm:
Our Civil Defence team have stopped their active monitoring of the situation as no action has been required. We would like to acknowledge the positive engagement and support and prompt response of our partners agencies and everyone in the community for their patience and understanding while we managed this process.
Update 1.40pm:
As a precaution, we are completing the inspections of all our core facilities. There has been no damage reported at this stage.
Please note however that Sophia Street car park remains closed while we await a detailed structural assessment, with the expectation it will reopen by the end of the week.
For some of our other facilities, we are working to assess them in sequence with the current bookings, in order to minimise disruption to our users.
We are encouraging building owners to get their buildings checked, particularly if they are deemed earthquake prone. Remember, just because a building is new does not automatically mean that it isn’t earthquake prone.
We have contacted all key agencies, Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, and Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury within the Timaru District and they have communicated to us that there have been no reported issues and all they are all functioning to normal levels.
Update 11.40am:
After the earthquake this morning there have been no reports of damage and we are checking with our facilities. Some facilities may be closed in the interim as a precautionary measure.
Given the nature of the quake it is unlikely there is any damage, but we are taking a safety-first approach. Engineers are going out to check on our facilities. Some may be closed until they have been cleared.
This includes but is not limited to Aorangi Stadium, the Farmers car park, Geraldine Cinema, and the lift at the Piazza.
Update 9.30am:
Geonet are reporting:
Strong earthquake
Magnitude: 6.4
Depth: 10 km
North of Geraldine