Fiji High Commissioner to NZ to visit earthquake-affected Fijians

Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Filimone Waqabaca will travel to Christchurch today from Wellington to visit earthquake‑affected members of the Fijian diaspora.

Waqabaca has been in contact with affected families, particularly on the South Island, after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the South Island shortly after midnight yesterday.

However, he said he would only be able to provide more details after he visits affected families.

Waqabaca says no Fijians had died, but many were still traumatised, particularly members of the Fijian diaspora in the South Island. 

He confirms that the quake had been felt as far away as Wellington, and that even the High Commission suffered damage after its chimney fell down.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his delegation at the COP22 Climate Talks in Marrakech, Morocco continue to be updated on the situation, particularly on the welfare of the Fijian diaspora.

Meanwhile stuff.co.nz reports that navy ships being sent to Kaikoura, which is completely cut off after the 7.5 earthquake yesterday, won't arrive until tomorrow.

Two NZ Navy ships are on their way to the area ‑ the 9000 tonne multi role vessel HMNZS Canterbury and the HMNZS Wellington.

Air Commodore Darryn Webb, the Acting Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said the Canterbury will pick up emergency supplies as it sails overnight to Kaikoura from Auckland.

Helicopters would be flown in and out of the town all day.

There are between 600 and 1000 tourists in the town.

Webb said the Defence Force has also deployed a seven‑member team to help assess the damage caused by the massive 7.5‑magnitude quake.

The NZ Defence Force is deploying hundreds of personnel and at least six of its aircraft as part of its effort to support the Government's response to the huge quake.

Their immediate priority is ensuring delivery of clean water, food and other essentials to the residents of Kaikoura and the estimated 1000 tourists in the town.

Aftershocks still continue... my first experience of an earthquake #WellingtonEarthquake @RoyKrishna21 pic.twitter.com/XiwdL7QWgJ

— Naziah Ali (@Alinaziah) November 13, 2016

NZ PM John Key said the cost of the clean-up would run into the billions of dollars.

The economic impact on earthquake‑affected areas will also be assessed in the coming days.

Latest reports confirm Wellington’s CBD is open again for business today, but heavy rain is causing widespread surface flooding and gales are causing issues around buildings that have sustained damage or broken glass from yesterday’s quakes.

In the Hutt Valley, there are numerous reports of surface flooding and police are responding to a number of weather related callouts. The Hutt River is very high and has overflowed at some parts.