Tornado Update - 11 April

The Team from Kāpiti Coast District Council

Kia ora Kāpiti,
We are on site this morning with Wellington Fire and Emergency in Paraparaumu following a tornado that has impacted the area.
Here’s what you need to know:

• FENZ is managing this incident and is working to address immediate damage, with support from Council in the clean-up.
• Two properties in Aorangi Road have suffered significant damage and others in the area are also affected.
• Council is working to get in touch with affected residents and supporting them by organising temporary accommodation and any other welfare assistance they may need.
• There has been some damage to trees in localised parts of Paraparaumu and we have contractors onsite to remove them from roads and public property.
• Our priority is ensuring our roads are open and safe to use.
• The Council Emergency Operations Centre has not been activated but staff are continuing to monitor the situation and support for those badly affected.
• Power is out to Nikau Valley and parts of the area around Aorangi Road. Power companies are working to re-establish it as soon as possible.
• Trees are down but we can’t clear them until the areas are made safe from fallen power lines.
• Road access is down to one lane only.
• We ask the public to avoid the area
What to do if your house has been damaged:
• If you have incurred any damage, contact your insurance company.
• If you have damage to your roof call that is presenting an immediate or potential risk to yourself or neighbours, call FENZ for assistance.
• Call 111 in an emergency.
Tornados are weather events that are hard to plan for - it is hard to pick where the greatest risk might be and almost impossible to predict where a tornado might appear.
Here are some good tips that will help to keep you safe:
• If you see a tornado, seek shelter immediately.
• If you’re inside, stay away from doors and windows, and stay downstairs if you’re in a multi-storey building.
• For added protection, get under something sturdy, cover your body with a blanket or mattress and protect your head with your hands.
• If you’re outside, lay flat in a gully, ditch or low spot on the ground and protect your head with an object or your arms.
• If you’re in a car, pull over and shelter in a low spot (not under or near the car).
Stay safe, Kāpiti and call us on 0800 486 486 if you see anything that needs our attention.

Photo: Megan Jones