Geotechnical engineers face an "unprecedented’’ challenge in tackling the many large landslips that have blocked the quake-damaged coastal section of State Highway 1 at Kaikoura.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) spokesman Andy Knackstedt said yesterday the risk of large aftershocks made conditions too unstable to safely allow geotechnical engineers on to the slips to carry out inspections.
"We can say that restoring full access via SH1 is a huge job which will take at least several months to complete.’’
The scale and complexity of the slips were unprecedented in New Zealand, he said.
"While detailed measure ments aren’t yet available, it’s likely that four or five ... could be as large or larger than the October 2011 slip which closed SH3 through the Manawatu Gorge.’’
That landslip — the largest in New Zealand history — involved 370,000sqm of material.
NZTA advised late this morning that 24-hour highway access to Hanmer Springs from State Highway 7 via State Highway 7A had been restored, following assessments showing a reduced risk of further rockfalls.
Crews were continuing work to assess the safety of several key South Island routes, clear slips and safely re-open roads as soon as conditions allowed.
Prime Minister John Key, who flew over the coastline yesterday with Transport Minister Simon Bridges, described SH1 as "really stuffed’’.
NZTA expected the inland route from Picton to Christchurch would likely be the main state highway route from Christchurch to Picton for several months.
The agency hoped to open up an inland route to Kaikoura by the weekend.
About 700 people were evacuated from Kaikoura yesterday — much to the relief of many tourists who are now reconsidering their holiday plans.
Two hundred people were airlifted out on Tuesday but the evacuation really accelerated yesterday when more were taken out by sea and air.
HMNZS Canterbury set sail last night with 450 people on board — plus four dogs and about seven tonnes of baggage.
It was expected to arrive in Lyttelton about 1am today.
Two Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters also took out 165 people, after delivering about 8000kg of aid supplies.
HMNZS Wellington also arrived off the coast yester day and surveyed the harbour area. The frigate Te Kaha and tanker Endeavour are due today.
United States, Australian and Canadian warships are also expected to arrive today and their helicopters will be used to help assist with disaster relief operations.
Civil Defence said up to 1000 people needed to leave the town.
Acting commander joint forces New Zealand Air Commodore Darryn Webb said yesterday’s evacuation was "a complete success’’.
"We achieved our immediate priority, which is to evacuate as many displaced people as possible from Kaikoura.’’
Air Com Webb said the Defence Force’s disaster relief operation would now focus on the delivery of vital aid supplies to quake-damaged communities.
"This is where our NH90helicopters as well as those provided by our internationalpartners will be of most help.’’
Mr Key met Kaikoura business owners yesterday and explained a business relief package.
He said the Kaikoura package would be similar to the relief offered to Christchurch businesses in 2011.
The Government then sub sidised employers for up to 11 weeks to keep staff on and paid employees who had lost their jobs because their work place had closed.
Businesses were given $500 a week for each employee, and jobless people were given $400 a week.
Tax breaks were also pos sible for Kaikoura, Mr Key said.
He said United States president-elect Donald Trump had called and offered his sympathies over the Kaikoura earthquake — and to talk a bit of golf.
The phone call took place yesterday morning. Mr Key said Mr Trump was "very warm, very engaging’’.
"He was very knowledge able about what was going on, he offered his condolences and support for the people of New Zealand.’’
