The situation in Hawke’s Bay has eased. River levels have dropped however 50 to 60mm of rain is expected to continue overnight, but spread over a longer period of time.

Residents who self-evacuated are advised that they can return home but those in the Esk River catchment area are asked to remain prepared to evacuate at short notice should the situation change.
People whose homes have had flood waters through them are advised to call Hastings District Council regarding building inspections (24 hour phone number 871 5000). For information on whether flood-affected food and water is safe see information from the District Health Board: http://bit.ly/2tq7Nzd
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management will continue to monitor the situation overnight.

Road users are advised to continue to take extra care on the roads, with surface flooding likely to continue. NZTA has advised that State Highway 5 and State Highway 2 are open, but extreme care is required.

Local roads which continue to be closed or are down to one lane are: Heays Rd (single lane); Glengarry Rd (closed); Waipunga Rd (closed); Seafield (4WD only); Hedgely Rd (closed); Shaw Rd (closed); Puketitiri Rd from Rissington to Pakatutu (single lane); Taiahape Rd (single lane in several places.)
Unison advised that less than 20 homes are without power in the Rissington area and staff were working to reconnect them.

Ian Macdonald
Group Manager/Controller
Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

© Scoop Media