MEDIA RELEASE - RAIN EVENT October 2013 #2

Tuesday 15 October, 2013

Horizons monitoring situation across the Region

Horizons staff are continuing to monitor river levels across the Region as water levels continue to rise overnight.

The Whanganui River is forecast to peak at the Pipiriki monitoring site at 6.30pm this evening, reaching a level of at least 15 metres, with the lower river at Wanganui expected to peak at 9 metres around 11.00pm tonight.

Evacuations are underway on Anzac Parade near Kowhai Park and at Putiki with army personnel deployed to assist with maintenance of stop banks and sandbagging in the city overnight. The temporary flood barrier at Wanganui Sailing Club has been erected by Horizons staff and the one at Q-West Boat Builders at Balgownie will be in place before dark.

The Whangaehu River continues to rise and is expected to peak at 10 metres around 9.00pm this evening. Evacuations are possible and potentially affected residents are being contacted by Rangitikei District Council.

State Highway three could possibly close later tonight and if it does New Zealand Transport Agency will make a call on when the road will reopen. Members of the public are advised not to take alternative routes via the Turakina Valley Road due to numerous slips.

The Rangitikei River peaked today around 5.00pm at just over 7.00 metres and Horizons staff will be watching for any potential effects on Scotts Ferry township closely.

Horizons staff are also closely monitoring the Makino and Mangaone streams with no cause for concern at this stage. The floodgates at Makino were closed earlier this afternoon and will open again later tonight.

There are no concerns regarding river levels for the Manawatu River at this stage.

Surface flooding has occurred in Ohakune however the waters have already started to recede. Horizons alongside Ruapehu District Council will be keeping a close watch on the situation.

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is also available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD (0508 4 35003) or via website www.horizons.govt.nz

For updated information on the situation members of the public are advised to listen to their local radio station or check their district council website.

Wanganui District Council
www.wanganui.govt.nz
Phone: 06 349 0001

Rangitikei District Council
www.rangdc.govt.nz
Phone: 06 327 0099

Ruapehu District Council
www.ruapehudc.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 123 RDC

Members of the public are advised to take care while driving and check the AA’s website, http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch for information on road closures.

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