WELLINGTON, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand on Wednesday declared a state of local emergency for the Canterbury Region in the South Island to brace for damaging winds.
The National Emergency Management Agency has been in close contact with the Canterbury Civil Defense Emergency Management Group and confirmed that a declaration is necessary, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell said Wednesday.
This emergency follows damaging gusts and a red strong wind warning forecast for the region, with concerns about power outages, closures, and fire hazards. Fire bans are in place to prevent wildfires amid the extreme conditions.
Residents are advised to secure property, avoid non-essential travel, and stay indoors to minimize risks from flying debris and falling trees.
The emergency status grants local Civil Defense necessary powers to support emergency services during this significant weather event impacting many parts of the country, Mitchell said. ■
