Cyclone Pam hits Chatham Islands

Storm damage in Chatham Islands

Radio NZ,

17 March, 2015

The main wharf of the Chatham Islands has been badly damaged and people are without power as the remnants of Cyclone Pam move in.

Cyclone Pam over the Chatham Island- Photo: Metservice

A state of emergency is in place, with the occupants of up to 20 coastal homes told to leave yesterday as a precaution.

Constable Sam Coleman said high swells had taken out the wharf and power lines were down.

He said power had been lost in most of Waitangi and was likely to be out for the next couple of days.

Mayor Alfred Preece said trees had fallen across roads and the wharf at Kaingaroa Village was taking a hammering in heavy seas.

He said gusts there had already reached 100 kilometres an hour and were forecast to reach upwards of 130 kilometres per our.

"So we're hoping that it doesn't get anywhere [near] that because that's more than likely going to cause some significant damage."

A period of heavy rain of between 80 and 110 millimetres was also predicted.

A photo posted on Facebook shows the storm in the Chatham Islands today.

Photo: Marlon Thomas

Photo: Marlon Thomas

Photo: Marlon Thomas

Mr Preece said it was fortunate the Chathams had plenty of warning of Pam's approach.

"We've asked people to secure their properties and make sure things like trampolines are tied down.

"And the fishing community have shifted their boats and secured their boats on higher grounds, those that are one trailers."

Listen to Mayor Alfred Preece on Morning Report ( 2 min 33 esc )

The storm was expected to lie about 260 kilometres northeast of the Chathams early this afternoon and just to the east later tonight.

MetService warned residents there to prepare for severe gales, heavy rain and large swells.

They were also urged to ensure they had enough food and clean water to last several days.

Niwa Weather @NiwaWeather

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High wind poised to affect the Chatham Islands - #nasty conditions obs: the forecast:

9:04 AM - 17 Mar 2015

Kaingaroa Village resident Chris Morrison said the community was well-prepared for stormy weather, but this could be serious.

"At this stage it's probably bigger now than anything we've seen, certainly since 1986 when the last significant damage occurred here."

More on this story  Cyclone Pam: East Coast cleans up

Local schools were closed and will likely remain closed tomorrow.

MetService warned high winds, rain and heavy swells could last until Wednesday night.

MCDEM @NZcivildefence

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Cyclone Pam - Chatham Islands update: a state of local emergency remains in place http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/resources/active-emergencies/state-of-local-emergency-declared-for-chatham-islands-due-to-cyclone-pam-and-rural-fires/ …

11:09 AM - 17 Mar 2015

 

Civil Defence available to help

Civil Defence Minister says the Defence Force will be available to help out in the Chatham Islands if needed.

Nikki Kaye said she had been in touch with the Defence Force, to let them know they may be needed in the Chathams, depending on the severity of the storm.

The now ex-cyclone pounded the East Coast of the North Island yesterday closing roads and forcing evacuatоons.

It also devastated Vanuatu over the weekend, destroying buildings and killing 24 people.

Cyclone Pam hits New Zealand after devastating Vanuatu 16 03 2015

More than 100 people have been evacuated from their homes on the East Cape as Cyclone Pam brings rain, high winds and large swells.

After devastating Vanuatu, Cyclone Pam has been tracking along the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.