Civil Defence: Prepare for aftershocks

State Highway 70 to Waiau is damaged after Monday's earthquake. Photo / Supplied

Power is slowly being restored to areas of the South Island affected by Monday's earthquake but residents are being warned to prepare for aftershocks.

So far power is back on in parts of Ward and is restored to the Ure River, but gaps in the service remain, Civil Defence said today.

Landline telecommunications are also expected to be restored to Ward today and the road between Ward and Seddon should reopen this evening, Civil Defence public information manager Glyn Walters said.

"Residents will be able to make arrangements to get household power and other services checked."

On the roads:
• State Highway 1 between Seddon and Cheviot remains closed;

•SH6 is down to one lane by Old Coach Rd because of downed trees;

•Queen Charlotte Drive-Havelock Causeway is open but there is some surface damage;

•Queen Charlotte Drive - closed at Aussie Bay and down to one lane at Momorangi;

•Kenepuru Rd has a number of slips is closed;

•Titirangi Rd is closed;

•Awatere Valley Rd is closed 7km past Camden.

Civil Defence is urging people to prepare for aftershocks by gathering emergency survival items if possible and checking online about what to do during and after an earthquake at www.getthru.govt.nz.

The main points:
•Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on;

•Check yourself first for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping injured or trapped persons;

•Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas;

•Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes;

•Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions;

•Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls;

•Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.