GISBORNE CDEM GROUP EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE
MEDIA RELEASE
4 April 2012, 8.450am Release No: 2


Gisborne people are advised to drive to the conditions today as rain continues to fall across the district.

Gisborne Civil Defence is monitoring the situation as another 100mm of rain is forecast over the next 24 hours, particularly south of Tolaga Bay through to the Wharerata Ranges.

Civil defence controller Jon Davies said that the top of the coast got off lightly overnight with the heaviest falls at Te Puia Springs, 188mm, and the Whareratas, 134mm. About 60mm fell in the city itself.

“The river north of Tolaga Bay, at Willowflat, has reached 11 metres and a close eye is being kept on this in case evacuations are required.

“We are expecting the rain to come and go. The Waimata River reached seven metres overnight and is showing no signs of receding at the moment. An eight metre level is the trigger for advising residents. This occurs in the order they are historically affected by rising river levels. High tide is about 9.20 this morning.”

Several roads in the district are marginal with flooding and surface flooding, and four wheel drive access only in some places.

Mr Davies said some roads are expected to close and local residents should check on Gisborne District Council civil defence page www.gdc.govt.nz/civil-defence for any road closures during the day.

“The state highways are all open but may close at any time and people should check before leaving on a journey.”

Opus reports that a minor slip at Tikitiki and trees across SH2 in the Whareratas were being attended to.

Several rural schools are closed including Ngatapa and Tolaga Bay Area School. Gisborne Girls’ High School is closed due to a sewerage problem.

ends

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