Region lashed by heavy rain

Heavy rain and rising river levels have seen Horizons Regional Council staff work though the weekend to minimise flooding throughout the Region.

Horizons operated both the Makino Floodgates in Feilding and the Moutoa Floodgates in Horowhenua to help relieve pressure on swollen rivers.

“Much of the region is still saturated from the rainfall two weeks ago, this storm has compounded this causing a lot of surface flooding,” said Allan Cook, Horizons incident controller.

“We had to close the Makino flood gates in Feilding early Saturday afternoon to divert flood water away from the Feilding township. This is the second time the Makino gates have ever been operated, the first just less than two week ago. Feidling’s had a phenomenal amount of rain - around185ml in 19 days.”

Farmers who lease land on the Moutoa flood plains were called by council staff on Sunday afternoon to warn them of the Moutoa gates’ opening so stock could be moved.

“The storm has brought very intense bursts of rain which resulted in rivers and streams rising very rapidly. The Moutoa Floodgates had to be opened after a very rapid rise in the Manawatu River,” said Mr Cook.

Rangitikei District Council and Horizons staff were also responding to a situation at Scotts Ferry near the small settlement of Tangimoana, where floodwater is being pumped out to prevent houses from being flooded.

The Metservice has issued a weather watch indicating a further 70-80mm of the rain for the Tararua and Ruahines between now and midnight Tuesday.

“We will continue to monitor river levels throughout the region. The rainfall predicted is over a longer period but the intensity of the showers and already saturated ground could be problematic,” said Mr Cook.

ENDS

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