3.30pm Christchurch Flood Update from the EOC - Sunday 23 July

Civil Defence Rapid Response Teams are currently doing a visual assessment of flood affected areas. Teams are looking at how high water levels got to in various streets and identifying which properties may have been damaged as a result of flooding.
The focus remains on ensuring the welfare of people in flood affected areas.
Water levels

River water levels are dropping, but there is another high water level predicted late this afternoon with the tide which may cause isolated flooding in some areas and roads previously affected, particularly near the estuary.

The Heathcote River is likely to be at its peak at around 5.30pm this afternoon.

The lower Heathcote will be the most affected by the rise in water levels, but forecast predicts this will be lower than yesterday’s high tide water levels.

A number of road closures are still in place. Roads that are already closed downstream of Colombo Street will remain closed due to the risk of water levels rising as a result of the incoming high tide. Roads upstream of Colombo Street are expected to progressively open 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

Southshore

Contractors are in Southshore monitoring tide levels, but at this stage they have not needed to operate pumps. Work is also continuing on the emergency bund, with contractors adding extra height to them in preparation for the incoming high tide.

Water and wastewater

Please continue to treat all flood water as contaminated - so wash your hands thoroughly after you've been in contact with flood waters and mud/silt. Regular household bleaches can be used to clean surfaces.

Do not move back into a damp house, particularly if you have young children/babies.
We are still 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.

Returning to properties
If your property has been affected by flood water, in the first instance please contact your private insurance company or your landlord to let them know.

The Christchurch Civil Defence Team encourage people affected by flooding to contact the Council’s Customer Contact Centre on 0800 800 169 or (03) 941 8999 so we can register your details and keep you updated.

© Scoop Media