Widespread Flooding Posing Problems

Dunedin (Wednesday, 3 June 2015) – South Dunedin, Kaikorai Valley and parts of Mosgiel, the Brighton Coast and the Taieri Plain have been hardest hit by heavy rain and flooding.

Dunedin City Council staff and contractors, and emergency services are busy dealing with flooding that is knee deep in isolated areas.

As at 1.30pm, seven roads around the wider Dunedin area are closed.

Key messages for the public are:
• Where possible, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, particularly those that may be contaminated with wastewater
• If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for widespread surface flooding
• There are going to be a lot of motorists on the road trying to get home, so we ask drivers to be patient and allow plenty of time for travel
• Check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or have young children
• The water supply is safe to drink

DCC Manager Civil Defence Neil Brown says Civil Defence has been activated to monitor and co-ordinate, but a civil defence emergency had not been called at this stage.

DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says heavy rain since early today has caused widespread flooding and the rain was not expected to ease any time soon. According to Otago Regional Council data, more than 60mm of rain had fallen at Pine Hill in the 24 hours to 12.40pm today.

“The sheer amount of rain means our stormwater system is at capacity and the roading network is under pressure. We are monitoring what is happening and assisting wherever we can.”

Foul sewer contamination has forced the closure of the Hargest Crescent area. This could become an issue for other areas.

DCC Water and Waste Network Contracts Manager Mike Ind says stormwater and foul sewers in the Hillside Road/Surrey Street areas were at capacity at 10.30am today. The Fire Service was pumping water from the Fulton Home property on Hillside Road. DCC staff and Civil Defence have helped with the provision of additional flood barriers.

The Fire Service reports its appliances and personnel are fully committed.

Mr Standring says the severe weather warning for Dunedin is still in place. One of the major upcoming concerns is high tide, due late afternoon, which may have an impact on the water draining away.

For the most up-to-date road conditions visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area. People can also look at the Highgate web cam and others around the city.

ENDS

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