Midday update Tuesday 23 June

Work continues on priorities for authorities

Portable flood pumps are being mobilised to help clear remaining flood water across the Region as agencies continue to ensure the welfare of isolated communities and assess damage caused by flooding.

Horizons regional controller Craig Grant says the priorities for Horizons’ operations team include assessing when ponding areas will drain and assigning flood pumps to key locations.

“Planning is also underway for temporary repairs of three stopbank breaches on the Oroua River below Hoihere Road, at Main Drain Road near Rangiotu and on the Koputoroa Stream. This last site is particularly difficult to access and there is a lot of water yet to drain out there.

“Teams also started a preliminary assessment of flood protection schemes and are undertaking flights this afternoon to look at the Rangitikei, Pohangina-Oroua and Turakina schemes in particular.

“We are still providing pumping assistance in Wanganui and it is pleasing to note that there was essentially no damage to the stopbank at Kowhai Park other than the deliberate breach undertaken to help water drain away.”

The Moutoa floodgates were closed at around 7pm Monday 22 June.

Horizons’ rural advice and compliance teams are currently working with Fonterra, milk supply companies, Federated Farmers and Beef & Lamb to provide advice to affected farmers.

If farmers are at all concerned about regulatory issues they are advised to contact Horizons’ rural advice team on toll free number 0508 800 800. Welfare of people and stock remains a top priority.

A number of road closures remain across the Region and agencies are working to ensure the welfare of isolated communities. Information on local road closures is being regularly updated on city and district council websites.

The Manawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust has been reactivated to accept

donations from those who wish to help those affected by the recent widespread flooding. The Trust was formed in response to the 2004 floods and the Trustees represent all local authorities in the region.

Chairperson Eric Linklater said the Trust played a vital role in the 2004 floods helping Councils and relief agencies target funds to where it was most required and wish to assist once more.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust can do so by depositing funds into the following Westpac bank account – 030-728-0411355-00

The Wanganui District Council Mayoral Fund has also been activated for people wanting to make specific donations to the people of Wanganui inboth the urban and rural areas. Donations to this fund can be made via Westpac account number 03 0791 0355050 04. People are being asked to leave their contact details and name as the reference details if they wish. If you would like to make a contribution the account number is Westpac 03 0791 0355050 04. Over to you if you want to leave us your contact details and name as the reference.

Information about the State Highway network is available from NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz

Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui will continue to act as a hub for flood-related information.

ENDS

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