New welfare centres open to cope with demand

7:43 pm on 24 February 2011

Christchurch's emergency management agency has established new welfare centres in the wake of a powerful earthquake.

The shallow 6.3-magnitude quake struck at 12.51pm on Tuesday, 10km south-east of the central city, causing many deaths and widespread devastation.

Welfare centres are open at Rolleston Community Centre, Cowles Stadium in Aranui and at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre in Spreydon.

Other centres are operating at Burnside High School and Rangiora Baptist Church.

The welfare centre at Hagley Park was closed on Wednesday. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says with rain forecast over the next few days, a decision was made to move everyone from that site to more suitable buildings.

People attending welfare centres are being advised to take with them any essential medication and personal effects.

Civil Defence says stocks of bedding and toiletries, including toilet paper, have either run out or are extremely low.

Organisers say they are desperate for bedding in particular and anyone who can donate some should drop it outside the centres.

Donated food supplies are being trucked into the welfare centres by the Food and Grocery Council and other organisations.

The Salvation Army has sent teams from Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Queenstown and Dunedin to work from the welfare centres and Salvation Army centres.

Trauma Counselling Services are sending staff to Christchurch, while Victim Support is sending between 80 and 100 people from throughout New Zealand.

The Government helpline has taken thousands of calls, most relating to locating loved-ones, offering donations or inquiring about accommodation options.

The 0800 77 999 7 hotline will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

People seeking counselling services can also ring 0800 LIFELINE or 0800 5433 5463