Christchurch Civil Defence Update 24 July 9am

Heathcote River

Heathcote River water levels are continuing to drop and the upper storage basins are slowly emptying. This is forecast to continue over the coming days. However tides still continue to impact and another high water level is predicted late this afternoon. This may cause isolated flooding in some areas and on roads previously affected.

The lower Heathcote will be the most affected by the rise in tidal water levels. This is expected to be lower than Saturday’shigh tide water levels but higher than this morning’s.

We are continuing to closely monitor Heathcote River water levels and rainfall forecasts.

Southshore

Contractors are in Southshore monitoring tide levels, but at this stage they have not needed to operate pumps. Pumps will remain in place to remove any water from the street if required.

We are finalising work on the emergency bunds today, however tidy up work will be ongoing. Tidal waters are not expected to overtop the bunds with the current forecast peak water levels.

Road closures

In Christchurch Dyers Pass Road from Sign of the Takahe to Governors Bay is now open. The following roads in Banks Peninsula have also re-opened: Bossu Road, Usshers Road.

A number of road closures are still in place.

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

Water and wastewater

Christchurch and Banks Peninsula (with the exception of Duvauchelle) residents no longer need to limit water use that produces wastewater like flushing, washing and showering. This includes residents living south of the CBD and those in Southshore. However residents living in Duvauchelle on Banks Peninsula should continue to take measures to conserve water.

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.

Returning to properties

Civil Defence Rapid Response teams are continuing to carry out visual assessments of flood affected areas.

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.

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

If you evacuated your property, it's important that you check all your essential services are working properly. Ensure facilities are safe (Gas/Electricity/Oil). If any doubt, don’t switch on and contact a qualified tradesperson.

If you suspect a gas leak, call 111.

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.

ENDS

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