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Thread ID: 116224	2011-02-22 05:13:00	Christchurch updates from the Police	WalOne (4202)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1180684	2011-02-22 05:13:00	Please don't comment on this guys, I'm updating this as an up to the minute thing from the Police site as received. 1736 Tuesday Title: Additional police staff heading to Christchurch A large number of police staff are being readied to deploy from around New Zealand to Christchurch following today's earthquake in the city. Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Dave Cliff says while fatalities have been reported, their exact number is not yet known. He says police are aware of people who remain trapped in buildings. Some people have been able to call from these buildings to alert emergency services to their location. A large number of people were injured in the initial earthquake that struck just before 1pm. Superintendent Cliff says a large number of police staff will be used to assist the search and rescue teams involved in the rescue operation. Cordon points have been established around the central city and police are urging people as a priority to stay at home with their families and to check on their neighbours. Superintendent Cliff says the major roads to Christchurch Hospital are open, and the contingencies involved in treating those who have been injured are in place. The Christchurch Central Police Station, which was earlier evacuated, has now been re-opened. The police emergency 111 system is working. There is pressure on cellphones and telephone systems and police ask that people keep non-urgent calls to a minimum. The next media inter-agency briefing is being held at 5.45pm at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Media identification will be required.	WalOne (4202)
1180685	2011-02-22 06:40:00	1901 Tuesday Title: Number of fatalities rise from Christchurch earthquake Sixty five people are so far believed to have lost their lives in today's 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch and officials warn this figure is likely to rise. Emergency services are continuing to search the central city, particularly the high rise buildings in the central business district, many of which have been extensively damaged. The immediate focus for emergency services is rescuing people trapped in buildings following the quake which happened at 12.51pm. Around 200 extra staff are being sent from around New Zealand to Christchurch to help Canterbury staff in the rescue effort. The central city business district has been cordoned off and police are warning people to stay away from the areas within Madras, St Asaph, Montreal and Kilmore Streets. People who try to get into the cordoned off areas will be turned away. There is reported damage in other parts of the city including Lyttelton. Superintendent Dave Cliff, Canterbury Police District Commander, said police know there are people unaccounted for in buildings within the central city, and aftershocks have continued since the main quake struck at lunchtime. "This is a sad day for Christchurch, and indeed New Zealand," Superintendent Cliff said. "Our hearts go out to all those who are suffering from today's awful events." Police urged people to: • stay out of the central city • stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to travel • check the welfare of your neighbours - especially the elderly • conserve water The Lyttleton road tunnel is closed and there are rockfalls on the Summit Road so please avoid these areas. Ferrymead Bridge is closed. Emergency triage centres for the injured are operating at Latimer Square, Canterbury University and the Sanitarium Building in Papanui - not South City or the Spotlight Mall, Sydenham.	WalOne (4202)
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