National state of emergency extended
Civil Defence Minister John Carter has extended the national state of emergency for another week in the wake of last Tuesday's deadly Christchurch earthquake.
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Civil Defence Minister John Carter has extended the national state of emergency for another week in the wake of last Tuesday's deadly Christchurch earthquake.
The state of national emergency in New Zealand was declared last Wednesday and is expected to continue for several more weeks, Mr Carter said.
"This declaration ensures co-ordination and cooperation between central and local resources, and international assistance. Due to the scale of this disaster, the civil defence response is beyond the resources of the local authority," he said
The declaration gives Civil Defence Emergency Management national controller John Hamilton the authority to direct and coordinate resources. The Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 requires the declaration to be renewed every seven days.
Mr Carter said the significant damage caused by the earthquake and the continuing aftershocks mean it is appropriate the state of national emergency continues.
The declaration covers Christchurch City only and does not have any direct impact on other areas of New Zealand.
NBR staff
Tue, 01 Mar 2011
Tue, 01 Mar 2011
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National state of emergency extended
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