HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

February 23, 2011. Government Warning Issued for New Zealand

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Alert on February 22, 2011:

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the devastation to Christchurch in the wake of an earthquake that struck New Zealand on February 21, 2011. New Zealand government agencies are advising against any non-essential travel to Christchurch at this time. Considerable damage has occurred in the Christchurch Central Business District and in Lyttelton. There is a cordon around the central business district. Damage assessment is ongoing, and rescue work is likely to take days to complete. This Travel Alert expires on March 22, 2011.

New Zealand government agencies have established emergency medical and welfare relief shelters, at which U.S. citizens in Christchurch can find water, food, shelter, and medical care. Tourists wishing to depart Christchurch can do so on New Zealand Government-sponsored Visitor Facilitation Flights to Wellington. At this time, no passport or photo identification is required for the New Zealand Government-sponsored flights. Commercial flights are operating from Christchurch to Auckland and Wellington. U.S. Consular personnel from the U.S. Consulate General in Auckland and the U.S. Embassy in Wellington will assist U.S. citizens arriving in Auckland and Wellington with documentation of citizenship, onward travel, and emergency needs.