Dunedin through worst of flooding

Dunedin severe weather update #4 – 7.30pm

Dunedin (Thursday, 1 February 2018) – Floodwaters are starting to recede around Dunedin after today’s heavy rain.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Leanne Mash says the state of emergency declared this afternoon will remain in place overnight and be re-assessed in the morning.

The state of emergency was declared at 2.20pm to make sure extra powers are available to assist in the emergency response.

More than 108mm of rain has fallen in Dunedin. Rain and winds have eased off and river levels are dropping, but there are still areas with surface flooding.

Affected properties

Police have been visiting properties potentially affected by wastewater overflows around South Dunedin to check on residents’ wellbeing and provide advice for anyone who would like to leave their home.

At this stage, very small numbers have visited the welfare centres in South Dunedin and Mosgiel, but some people may have organised their own accommodation. Civil Defence can arrange accommodation for people affected by flooding.

The welfare centres in South Dunedin and Mosgiel closed at 7pm due to lack of demand. Should people have any concerns, they can call the DCC on 03 477 4000.

People who have experienced flooding of living areas in their homes or of their businesses should register on the DCC website at www.dunedin.govt.nz/adverse-weather so we can follow up as needed. Staff from the DCC Building Services and Environmental Health teams will be visiting affected properties from tomorrow morning.

At this stage, it is not clear how many houses have been affected by floodwaters.

Roads

A number of roads around the city will remain closed until they are clear of water.
Surrey Street and Hillside Road have been closed because of concerns about wastewater flooding. When water levels have dropped, crews will start clean-up work on these streets and in areas that were affected by ponding.

Gordon Road has been re-opened after being closed this afternoon.

The Otago Peninsula was closely monitored through the high tide, with no significant problems. A road closure was in place at Taiaroa Head this afternoon, but this has now been lifted. Aramoana Road has been closed due to debris washed onto the road during high tide.

There have been no major problems with slips, but contractors have cleared some small slips as they work around the roads. Assessments of existing slip sites from the July floods will be by geotechnical engineers from Friday morning.

Civil Defence is asking people to avoid travel in affected areas if possible. Anyone who needs to drive through streets with surface flooding should slow down to reduce the amount of floodwater washed into property or businesses.

All floodwaters should be treated as contaminated. Visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/adverse-weather for more information.

Stormwater and wastewater

The stormwater network performed as expected but was overwhelmed by the volume of rain this afternoon. That means in some places groundwater entered the wastewater system, forcing wastewater on to some streets.

The system is clearing now that rainfall levels have dropped.

The heavy rain caused some minor wastewater overflows to waterways around the city.

SH88 will need to be reduced to one lane tomorrow for repairs to a wastewater pump station affected by a power cut. Two cruise ships will be in town and road works will be scheduled around peak transport times.

Sandbags

Staff have been stood down from sandbagging sites, but filled bags are available at:
• the car park at the Dunedin Ice Stadium, Victoria Road
• the Mosgiel Memorial gym car park.

Sportsgrounds
People are arriving in town tomorrow for the Masters Games. The condition of sportsgrounds will be checked early in the morning. The DCC will work with event organisers to arrange any changes to the programme or venues if needed.

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media. You can call us on 03 477 4000.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.
www.dunedin.govt.nz/adverse-weather
www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil
https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

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