Southland Declares End to State of Emergency After Severe Weather

The state of emergency in Southland will officially conclude on Friday, November 3, 2023, following a period of severe weather that began on October 24. Gale-force winds battered the region, resulting in extensive damage that toppled trees and disrupted essential services, leaving thousands without power, communication, and water.

In a statement released today, Emergency Management Southland announced the transition from immediate response efforts to a recovery phase. This shift will focus on providing ongoing support to individuals and communities affected by the adverse weather conditions.

As part of the recovery process mandated by the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, a Recovery Manager has been appointed to oversee and coordinate recovery activities across the impacted areas. Rex Capil, who serves as the Group Manager for Community Spaces and Places at Invercargill City Council, has been designated for this role. Russell Pearson will act as the Alternate Recovery Manager.

Jonathan Shaw, the Alternate Controller for Emergency Management Southland, emphasized that the transition to recovery does not indicate a reduction in support for those affected by the severe weather. “We know some are still without power,” Shaw stated, reinforcing the commitment to provide essential supplies and services to the community.

“The recovery process is about supporting people to rebuild their lives and restore their emotional, social, economic, and physical wellbeing. It is more than simply building back infrastructure,” he added.

Shaw expressed gratitude to the various agencies, community organizations, and volunteers who have played a vital role in the response efforts. “This has been a challenging event, and we have seen major impacts across our region,” he noted. Despite moving out of a formal state of emergency, support will remain available for those in need.

As recovery efforts commence, Shaw highlighted the importance of community involvement. “A big thank you to everyone involved, including those in our community who have supported and continue to support their friends, family, and neighbours. Our supporting agencies have once again stepped up and responded to help our communities in need,” he remarked.

The collaborative response from local, regional, and national agencies has been crucial during this challenging time, ensuring that affected individuals have access to necessary resources as they begin to recover from the storm’s impact. The community’s resilience and solidarity will play a significant role in the path forward.