FAO Weka

[Kaz]

Yes, we are thinking of you and yours ((((x))))

[meriad]

And strict instructions from me as well to stay safe xxxx

[Nanna]

Keep safe xxx

[JoM]

Hope you've heard from your friends by now xx

Stay safe xx

[Weka]

I've heard my friends are ok. No power, phone, water, sewage, nada. They sleept last night in there car.
Police backup has been helicoptered in so my friend has been able to get some rest.
Roads in all directions blocked by landslides.
Power is now back on this morning in the area. Not sure about for them though.

[TheOstrich]

Glad your friends are safe, Weka.
They showed pics of the landslides and helicopters setting off for Kaikoura on the BBC News here today ....

[Kaz]

Glad they are ok! xxx

[Weka]

V is very very scared. And she's as tough as nails that lass. Being local she has no chance of evacuation.
They are hoping to helicopter about 200 people out today.
Navy are enroute and likely to get there tomorrow as it looks like by water is the only logical evacuation route out at the moment. There's about 1000 tourists in town at the moment

[Kaz]

It must be absolutely terrifying xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Osc]

Very frightening although I knew Weka is on the north island. We have friends in Timaru on the south island and I managed to get him on Messenger early this morning. He said they are a three hour drive from the epicentre, but are on tsunami watch.