Asia-Pacific

High winds may halt rescue in Christchurch

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-03-02 13:00

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand - High winds forecast for earthquake-torn Christchurch of New Zealand later Wednesday could temporarily halt search and rescue operations, officials said.

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Winds were expected to reach about 70 km/h, causing problems for urban search and rescue (USAR) teams working in unstable buildings as well as whipping up contaminated silt.

"Winds are expected to strengthen today, the USAR teams will monitor this and there potential impact on their operations," Fire Service and USAR spokesman Russell Wood said on Wednesday.

"They do have wind thresholds, if it goes beyond those they may need to consider suspension of their operations," he told a press briefing.

USAR teams are generally able to operate in winds of up to 90 km/h.

Wood said the teams were well equipped to deal with the dust but strong winds could make some damaged buildings unsafe to enter.

On Wednesday morning, winds in Christchurch were moderate but gusting to 44 km/h.

Civil Defence acting national manager Steve Brazier said masks were being brought in from around the country despite "no particular (health) concerns".

Asbestos was not thought to be a problem, he said.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said the dust was more of an irritant than a hazard and the Student Volunteer Army and community groups would distribute the incoming masks as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, USAR and police teams working inside and around the cordon area have done a second sweep search of some of the red placarded buildings, where they believed people may have been inside.

However, locksmiths and security alarm contractors were helping and the buildings were secured once they had been searched, he said.

Face masks are being handed out around Christ church as strong wind gusts lift tons of dust as high as lamp posts and spread the smell of sewage around damaged streets.