Arrangements made for Waitotara residents

Alternative accommodation, supplies of drinking water and portable toilets are being arranged for Waitotara township residents in the wake of flooding overnight and subsequent flood damage.

A state of emergency is still in place in Taranaki because of the Waitotara township flooding.

Residents were evacuated from the township between 9pm and 10 pm on Saturday evening. Some residents were evacuated to Waverley and provided accommodation overnight.

South Taranaki District Council staff have been assessing a number of flooded houses and a Taranaki Civil Defence controller and a senior South Taranaki District Council official made a helicopter inspection of Waitotara Valley on Sunday.

They saw extensive damage to Waitotara Valley Road, with multiple slips.

Meanwhile, Powerco says there are several areas Taranaki that are without power. It says staff are on standby ready to fix damaged sections of the network as soon as roads were cleared, but it may be several days before they can reach some areas due to slips blocking the roads.

Powerco urges people to stay well clear of any fallen power lines and phone Powerco’s emergency number 0800 272 727.

Meanwhile, there have many disruptions to the highway and local roading network in the region. SH3 north is now open after earlier being blocked by a slip near Uruti. SH3 south from Hawera to Whanganui has reopened but is down to one lane in many places.

There are also slips and flooding on local roads. People are advised to take care when driving.

People are also advised to stay away from beaches, rivers and streams until Tuesday because of potential contamination as a result of heavy rain and flooding.

Boaties are also advised to be aware of flood debris that has been washed out to sea.

ENDS

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