Emergency response - Severe weather
We are currently responding to a severe weather event affecting several districts across the region. Tararua District and Range are under a severe weather warning, with several watches also in effect across most other districts.
APRIL RAINFALL EVENT – media release #7
Description of situation
- Tararua District is still under a heavy rain warning until midnight Tuesday 21 April with expect rainfall of 70 to 90 mm to accumulate about the ranges and coastal hills, and lesser amounts elsewhere.
- Heavy rain watches for Manawatū, Rangitīkei and Whanganui have now…
Description of situation
- Tararua District is still under a heavy rain warning until midnight Tuesday 21 April with expect rainfall of 70 to 90 mm to accumulate about the ranges and coastal hills, and lesser amounts elsewhere.
- Heavy rain watches for Manawatū, Rangitīkei and Whanganui have now been lifted but rain will continue to fall over the next 24 hours.
- The Tiraumea, Mangatainoka and Makakahi rivers in Tararua are being monitored and are expected to rise this afternoon.
- There are multiple road closures across the region including in Whanganui and Ruapehu districts, and we expect more closure due to potential landslips.
- State Highway 56 at Ōpiki is expected to close in the next few hours as water moves through the Manawatū River catchment.
- There is a road snowfall warning for Desert Road from 10am Tues 21 April until 11pm tonight.
Tararua District
- Herbertville is without power and cellphone coverage. However, the community is in contact with support agencies by other means.
- The Wainui River flood alarm has been triggered, and the Herbertville Campground is being prepared for a potential evacuation.
- Ākitio is cut off due to a large slip which will take approx. 3-4 hours to clear. The village has power and cellphone coverage and is in contact constant with Taraua District Council.
Ruapehu District
- Rural Support Trust are working with the farmers and the community in the area with stock loss and animal welfare needs a priority.
- Kai parcels have been delivered to Ōhura residents and their welfare continues to be supported.
Declaration status
- Ruapehu District Council declared a State of Local Emergency at 3.21am on Sunday 19 April for the Ōhura Ward.
What’s being done?
· Horizons Regional Council are continuing to monitor all rivers particularly in the Manawatū catchment with the Moutoa floodgates likely to be operated tonight.
· Agencies across the region are continuing to work together to identify other isolated communities in Tararua.
Public safety/health instructions
· If you feel unsafe, self-evacuate immediately.
- Do not enter flood waters. Flood waters are dangerous and likely contaminated.
- People should avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary, especially during the night when it is harder to spot road damage.
- 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
What you should do
- Put safety first.
- Have your grab-bag ready.
Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel. - Act quickly to self-evacuate if required.
- Bring pets inside and move livestock to higher ground.
- Know the signs of a landslide and prepare to evacuate the area if required.