10.50am, Monday 22 June 2015

State of Emergency declared

Welfare needs being assessed

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management is assessing the welfare needs of residents and isolated communities without power and road access after heavy rain and flooding at the weekend.

Power has been cut to a number of isolated households and communities throughout the region. Powerco says about 50 households remained cut off this morning and some areas were difficult for repairs crews to get to because of damage to roads.

Taranaki remains in a state of emergency today following the heavy rainfall and flooding over the weekend.

Many local roads are closed. Details can be found on District Council websites.

Waitotara Valley Road is particularly hard hit. A flyover yesterday revealed multiple slips, with road completely obliterated in places.

SH3 is open in both directions, though down to single lane in places. SH43 is open from Stratford to Whangamomona, but not beyond.

Waitotara township was evacuated on Saturday night and alternative accommodation continues to be available for residents today as South Taranaki District Council and Taranaki District Health Board staff assess the damage to houses in the township.

Across the region, people are 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.

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