Whanganui District weather event

11.30am, 21 June 2015

Whanganui River flood

The Whanganui River flood has been assessed as an 85-year flood, the largest ever recorded in Whanganui. The river level has stabilised and no significant increase in flooding is expected. We are expecting the river water to start abating between 10.00am and midday today. Our team will then begin work on clearing the streets of water, silt and debris.

All flood waters must be treated as contaminated. Please stay at home and keep away from affected areas.

Evacuated properties

Many properties affected by flooding and slips will need to be assessed by geotechnical engineers, then cleaned and limed due to sewage contamination. These properties are not likely to be assessed until Monday, June 22, at the earliest. Evacuated areas in Taupo Quay, Anzac Parade and other flood and slip affected areas are cordoned off, and monitored by Police and Army personnel. Mobile Police patrols are on duty throughout the community.

400 people have been evacuated by our Civil Defence and Emergency Management Team, or have self-evacuated.

If you have been evacuated, please do not return to your home under any circumstances.

Water conservation

Waters supply is minimal due to power outages and therefore water conservation is critical. Please don’t use hoses or large amounts of water to clear driveways or streets from flood waters. Tap water is OK to drink, although some areas will have reduced pressure.

Bridges

The City Bridge and the Dublin Street Bridge are closed due to all traffic, including emergency traffic, because of potential structural damage due to debris hitting the bridge piles. The Cobham Bridge is open but only as far as Airport Road. The Railway Bridge is closed to foot traffic.

Roads

State Highway 3 is cut off from Whangaehu and Marybank to the south and Watt Livingston Road to the west. State Highway 3 remains closed in both directions. The Parapara (SH4) remains closed. Numerous local roads in the city are closed and most rural roads are badly affected. Our team is working to clear urban roads in order to assess rural road damage.

Rural areas

Downer is assessing the flooding and slip damage to rural parts of the Whanganui District via helicopter. If you live in the rural area and you are concerned about your welfare, please call the Welfare Centre on 06 348 8237.

Whanganui Airport

The airport is open.

Power

As the main power begins to come back on, there may be intermitted outages. Please talk to your power supplier about any issues.

Welfare Centres

Our Welfare Centre has been active at St Paul’s Community Centre since Saturday morning and volunteers have been working hard to make sure people evacuated are placed with family or friends, or in accommodation. Approximately 200 people have been through the centre.

A welfare centre has been set up in Whanganui Girls’ College Hall in Whanganui East, manned by emergency services and welfare volunteers.

Splash Centre

The Splash Centre is closed as staff have been unable to travel to work.

ENDS

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