Asbestos clean up continues after tornado

Asbestos removal workers were at DJ Auto in Sydenham on Tuesday morning. Photo: RNZ, Simon Rogers
Asbestos removal workers were at DJ Auto in Sydenham on Tuesday morning. Photo: RNZ, Simon Rogers
Contractors are continuing to clean up asbestos debris covering Brisbane St near central Christchurch after a tornado ripped through the area on Monday.

Two people were hurt after the powerful tornado hit Christchurch about 1.30pm, lifting roofs and smashing windows.

Asbestos removal workers were at DJ Auto in Sydenham on Tuesday morning, where the contaminated debris blew into the air due to the tornado.

Contractors reopened Wordsworth St to traffic after it was closed as part of the asbestos cordon.

In spite of the storm lasting only a short period of time, SaveMart on Battersea St lost part of its roofing, with two injuries being reported from the store.

Fire and Emergency said air conditioning units had also fallen off as a result of the damage.

In Richmond, a fruit and vegetable truck was blown about 20 metres away as a result of the tornado.

Thankfully for Christchurch residents, MetService has forecast the weather to be significantly better today, with high cloud, moderate northerlies and a few spots of rain.