State of emergency announced

A local state of emergency has been declared for the Rangitikei District as teams prepare to evacuate residents from the isolated village of Koitiata.

Rural fire crews are currently working to assess the situation and are working with the Army to mobilise four unimogs from Linton that will meet local crews in Bulls.

Incident controller Ross McNeil says “Steps are currently being taken to widen culverts and divert the flow around the village. However, it is likely some residents will need to be evacuated.

“There are 140 houses in the village. Some are more likely to be affected than others and we are working to establish the degree of evacuation required.

“Plans are in place to establish a welfare centre at Memorial Hall in Marton and we are working with Red Cross to source bedding and provisions for any evacuees.”

More information regarding the situation at Koitiata will be made available as it comes to hand. People are advised to keep an eye on www.facebook.com/manawatuwanganuicivildefence for the latest updates.

ENDS

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