MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, September 06, 2010

Rain eases but rivers still high

The heavy rain that has affected the lower North Island has eased in the last few hours but river levels are still being monitored by Horizons Regional Council emergency management staff.

The risk of flooding in parts of Feilding resulted in the Makino flood gates being closed at 3:30pm to alleviate the pressure on the Makino Stream.

Water levels in the Mangaone Stream are also rising with council staff indicating the flood gates may tip, spilling water on to the Mangaone floodway. This could effect traffic movement on Rangitikei Line in Palmerston north later this evening.

The Moutoa Flood Gates in Horowhenua will be opened later tonight or early tomorrow morning to direct flood waters out of the lower Manawatu River following heavy rainfall. Horizons Emergency Management staff have informed land owners to clear stock from the Moutoa floodway in preparation for the gates’ opening.

Voluntary evacuations were earlier carried out in Tararua as a precautionary measure as flood waters encroached from the Mangatainoka River. River levels have since stabilised in Tararua.

Horizons Regional Council is continuing to monitor rain and river levels throughout the region and is liaising with emergency services and local authorities

The rainfall has affected roads throughout the Region and authorities are advising that SH56 near Opiki will be impassable from about 5pm tonight until some time tomorrow due to rising river levels.

Currently the main arterial routes in and out of Palmerston North are still open.

The public is advised to check the AA’s website, http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch for information on road closures.

The public is advised to exercise caution on the roads and avoid rivers and streams which could rise rapidly.

Further information will be made available as it comes to hand.

ENDS

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