MEDIA RELEASE - RAIN EVENT October 2013 #3

Wednesday 16 October, 2013

No change in Whanganui River levels overnight

The Whanganui River is sustaining an 8.2 metre peak following heavy rainfall in the catchment yesterday.

A cordon is in place until the river drops half a metre and Horizons Regional Council’s incident controller Ged Shirley says this is expected to happen after midday.

“The river is still sitting close to its peak and our staff are monitoring this level closely,” he says.

“The army is on standby until the cordon is relaxed and we’re confident the stopbanks can sustain their protection levels. At this point we hope to let residents know whether it’s possible to return to their properties around midafternoon.

“So far the water hasn’t risen up to the temporary flood barrier at the Wanganui Sailing Club or at Q-West Boat Builders at Balgownie so staff will start to dismantle this after midday also.

“State Highway Three at Whangaehu is now open to heavy traffic and is expected to be completely open in the next couple of hours as waters recede,” he says.

Throughout the rest of the Region river levels have receded and are expected to continue to drop with only showers forecast for the next few days.

“The Manawatu River rose higher than expected overnight with the river reaching 7.7 metres at Moutoa. This meant we had a gate opening crew there from 4am but a decision has been made not to open the gates and the crew will be stood down from 10am,” says Mr Shirley.

The Rangitikei River is being held well within its stopbanks at Tangimoana and Scotts Ferry with 300 millimetres of freeboard remaining. The Oroua River peaked higher than expected overnight but has since gone down and the Makino and Mangaone Streams have also dropped.

Most roads are now open in the Ruapehu District following surface flooding yesterday. For further details regarding road closures visit www.ruapehudc.govt.nz

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.

Ends

© Scoop Media