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Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is preparing for the impact of Cyclone Vaianu.
“This is expected to be a fast moving and high intensity storm with a wide area of impact,” FENZ deputy national commander Megan Stiffler says. “Flooding, landslides and falling trees can be expected, with consequent impacts on power, communications and travel.”
FENZ has been working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) groups.
“We have well trained local crews right across the North Island and we will be pre-positioning specialist resources, including enhanced rescue and water rescue teams to support those local crews,” Stiffler says.
“We are ready to respond where we are needed, and we have extra resourcing ready to be deployed at short notice.”
We should call 111 when life or safety is at risk.
In addition, floodwater should be avoided.
“Do not drive through floodwater – you are putting yourself at risk and risking the lives of those who come to your rescue,” Stiffler says. “In floodwaters, you can’t tell how deep the water is, or how swift. The road may have been washed away and there could be hidden obstacles.”
At home, trampolines, outdoor furniture and other loose items should be brought indoors or tied down and we should prepare for power outages,” she adds.
“We recommend using torches and battery powered devices wherever possible to reduce the risk of unwanted fire in your home during a power outage.”
For the latest weather warnings follow MetService, civil defence pages for emergency warnings and advice.
