Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds has offered her support to Invercargill and Southland people affected by recent weather events and the current state of emergency.

“Many businesses across the province are unable to open today, with eftpos machines out of action, while communities like Tuatapere and Ohai are without water, which is extremely concerning.

“The past 24 hours has been hugely testing for many local people.

“Power disruptions appear to be the biggest concern in Southland, as a state of emergency has been declared across the province.

“There are large areas still without power and this is affecting drinking water supplies and communications - I understand Tuatapere and Ohai are two communities particularly hard hit with no drinking water.

“The lack of power means many cell towers across the region are also operating on batteries, so people should expect disruptions to their mobile services.

“Some have no cell phone coverage at all which, under the circumstances, is extremely frustrating and concerning.

“Thousands across the South face being without electricity, which according to Powernet, could last well into the weekend.

“I urge people to look after each other and check on neighbours if possible - especially those who are elderly or living alone.

“I commend Emergency Management Southland, police, fire, ambulance staff and volunteers - and Powernet and SouthRoads staff, who are all working incredibly hard to get our province back on its feet.

“Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell declared a state of local emergency for the Southland Region at 9am this morning.

“He says that a state of local emergency is necessary as a precautionary step due to concern about the potential impacts from power outages on other lifeline utilities, like water and communications, in the Southland Region.

“I ask you all to listen to the advice provided by Emergency Management Southland and our other emergency services - and follow any instructions. Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.

“Please be safe and let’s hope these issues are resolved quickly.”