Monday, 22 June 2015

Midday update Monday 22 june

Weather forecasts for the Horizons Region show no significant rainfall for the next 10 days.

Horizons regional group controller Craig Grant says although some showers are forecast, these are not expected to have an impact on the Region’s river systems. River levels are continuing to drop across the Region.

A state of local emergency remains in place for Wanganui and there is no intention to lift the declaration at this stage.

The declaration for the Rangitikei District was lifted at 8pm Saturday 21 June, as agencies shifted their focus from response to the recovery.

“From a Horizons Regional Council perspective we are now acting in two roles.

The first is coordination of the emergency response across the Region in support of our city and district councils. The second is around assessment and management of the Region’s flood protection assets,” says Mr Grant.

“People and their welfare remains the top priority. Over 319 evacuees have registered with agencies Region-wide, 244 of these are in the Wanganui District and it is understood that all have been accommodated.

“Two welfare centres remain operational in Wanganui. These are at St Paul’s in Guyton Street and Wanganui East Girls’ College in Wanganui East.

“In Rangitikei, Hunterville residents are being asked to boil domestic water until further notice due to water quality issues. Marton residents are also being asked to conserve water.

“Cell phone coverage is still very poor in Marton which is causing some communication issues for people in the District.”

Cordons are in place within central Wanganui and the Anzac Parade area. People are asked to please stay away from these areas.

In the southern part of the Region, the Moutoa floodgates are expected to close at around midday.

“In terms of the region’s flood protection network, there are still large volumes of water trapped in low areas behind some stopbanks that will not be able to drain until river levels drop. Areas such as the Main Drain near Glen Oroua are particularly heavily inundated due to the extreme rainfall and a breach in the Oroua River and Main Drain stopbanks.

“Evacuations have been carried out in the area as a result and Horizons’ staff are continuing to monitor the situation right across the region,” Mr Grant says.
Horizons Regional Council staff are also working with Fonterra, milk supply companies, Federated Farmers and Beef & Lamb to provide advice to affected farmers.

If farmers are at all concerned regarding any regulatory issues they are advised to contact Horizons’ rural advice team on 0508 800 800. Welfare of people and stock is top priority.

While many roads have reopened, some road closures are still in place. Please see www.nzta.govt.nz for the latest information on the State Highway network. Information about local and district roads is available from local council websites.

The Manawatu Gorge and Pahiatua Track remain closed. The Saddle Road is now open to all traffic. However, motorists are being advised to take care.

Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui is also acting as a central hub for regional information relating to the flood event.

ENDS

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