Emergency response - Severe weather
We are currently responding to a severe weather event, which has affected several parts of the region.
Wednesday Morning Update
As of Wednesday morning MetService has lifted all weather watches and warnings for our region.
Description of situation
- Horizons Regional Council staff opened the floodgates late yesterday evening. The floodgates will continue operating until the early hours of tomorrow morning (Thursday).
- Horizons…
As of Wednesday morning MetService has lifted all weather watches and warnings for our region.
Description of situation
- Horizons Regional Council staff opened the floodgates late yesterday evening. The floodgates will continue operating until the early hours of tomorrow morning (Thursday).
- Horizons staff have been monitoring the rivers across the region closely and have reported they are all currently receding.
District updates
- Herbertville: An EMA (Emergency Mobile Alert) was sent last night to Herbertville residents due to the level of the Wainui River upstream of Herbertville. This Alert has now expired as river levels have dropped.
- Ākitio: Closed to all traffic with a slip overnight. Crews are on the ground now.
- Ōhura: There was a strong turnout to the community meeting in Ōhura yesterday. Rural Support Trust are continuing work with the farmers with stock loss and animal welfare.
- Manawatū: Hoihere road is closed at Ōroua River bridge due to high Manawatū river levels backing up over the road.
- SH56 at Ōpiki is still closed this morning due to surface flooding.
Declaration status
• Ruapehu District Council declared a State of Local Emergency at 3.21am on Sunday 19 April for the Ōhura Ward.
Public safety/health instructions
• Do not enter flood waters. Flood waters are dangerous and likely contaminated.
• Please remain cautious while out on the roads today as there may still be debris, surface floding, slips or other hazards present.
• Stock and animal welfare needs from MPI: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/26527-Animals-affected-by-flood-Advice-for-livestock-lifestyle-block-horse-and-pet-owners
Important information
• You can check out Horizons' environmental data for yourself here: https://envirodata.horizons.govt.nz/
• A list of road closures is available on local district and city council pages, and NZTA Waka Kotahi for state highways https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
Thank you and kia kaha
We would like to acknowledge and thank everyone that was part of this response. It was great to see not only our district councils and partner agencies coming together, but also our communities. This was rapidly evolving response, with lots happening at once – so to see everyone working together and looking after each other was heartening to see, especially in the wake of other weather events.
Please continue to check in on friends, family, neighbours and yourself, severe weather events can be a stressful time. If you feel like you need to talk to someone, please check out these resources:
· 1737 is a free helpline that is available 24/7. Call or text 1737 for brief emotional support with trained counsellors and peer support workers. Learn more: https://1737.org.nz/
· Those based in rural areas can also contact Rural Support Trust for help and advice: https://www.rural-support.org.nz/ or call 0800 787 254 between 8am and 6pm.
What you should do
- River levels are still high, stay out of rivers and streams.
- Do not enter floodwaters.
- Take care while driving - hazards may be present.
- Know the signs of a landslide and prepare to evacuate the area if required.