11.15am Christchurch Flood Update from the EOC - Sunday 23 July

The weather forecast is improving, and the rain has now stopped. Crews will continue to monitor flood-affected areas throughout the morning.

At this stage the Linwood Civil Defence Centre for welfare assistance at Linwood High School will remain closed.

A rapid response building team will be visiting flood affected areas this afternoon to conduct a visual assessment of the damage caused to buildings by flood waters.

350 people have registered for flooding updates with the Council. People can register for these updates via the Council’s Call Centre 0800 800 169 or 03 941 8999 or at www.ccc.govt.nz/newsline

The focus remains on ensuring the welfare of people in flood affected areas. The Council will assess what clean up measures are required once flood waters have receded. This includes the effect of contaminated floodwaters on private property.

Southshore

This morning’s high tide at 3.42am was lower than the previous three high tides. Contractors are in Southshore monitoring tide levels, but at this stage they have not needed to operate pumps. Work will continue on the emergency bund today in preparation for the next high tide at 4.15pm.

Heathcote River

Significant amounts of rainfall in the hill catchments above the Heathcote River have led to Hendersons basin, Hoon Hay Valley basin, and Cashmere-Worsley Valley basin filling up. These storage areas are now draining, however river levels will remain above low flow levels for a few days.

The river level is still high and will likely remain like this for some time. Flood water may not be draining as quickly as people expect because each high tide restricts water outflow. River levels are dropping but there is another high tide predicted this evening which may cause isolated flooding in some areas previously affected, particularly near the estuary. Water levels may rise and fall throughout the day as they are influenced by the tide.

Roads

A number of road closures are still in place. We are endeavouring to open roads as quickly as possible once it’s safe to do so. If a road is closed, please respect the closure as its likely there is still water in the area or damage to the road surface or pavement. If a previously closed road has opened, please travel with care.

Please check Newsline for the latest road closures: www.ccc.govt.nz/newsline

People are being urged to stay well away from roads in flooded areas. If it is essential for you to travel through water on the road, please drive carefully and slowly. Surges from cars into properties is a real concern.

Water and wastewater

At this stage, the Christchurch water supply is safe to drink. In Banks Peninsula communities, security of supply is being maintained by tankers where no bore supply is available.

We are continuing to ask people to limit water use that produces wastewater, like flushing, washing and showering, while our wastewater pumps handle the increase in inflow. This applies to everyone south of the CBD, Southshore and those in Banks Peninsula.

Residents should assume that any storm water is contaminated. If you have come into contact with it, we recommend washing your hands and clothing. Regular household bleaches can be used to clean surfaces.

Multi agency response
Multiple agencies are now responding, with the Council working closely alongside Civil Defence, the New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, Canterbury District Health Board, Ngai Tahu, the Red Cross, Ministry for Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Canterbury Civil Defence Group and civil defence response and welfare volunteers.

Please call the Council Call Centre on 0800 800 169 if you are concerned about your safety or want help to evacuate.

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