Tornado in National Park Village update

Ruapehu Civil Defence with the support of other agencies and volunteers have been working today to make the tornado hit area safe with the goal of lifting the cordon from all restricted areas of National Park Village asap.

The cordon has been reduced to Buddo Street and McKenzie street overnight.

King Country Security will be on cordon duty overnight.

Around 30 people have been involved in the clean-up.

There are enough people available and Civil Defence is not asking for any more volunteers.

This morning Ruapehu District Council’s Building Team completed the process of confirming what buildings are inhabitable as per the requirements of the Building Act.

Since then Civil Defence has been providing access to insurance assessors and owners to damaged properties under supervision.

There are 14 properties with restricted access.

12 are uninhabitable

1 is habitable but damaged.

1 is habitable with minor damage

Last night 5 households with a total of 9 persons who required emergency accommodation.

Tonight only 2 households with a total of 3 people requiring emergency accommodation.

From tomorrow it is expected that there will be only 1 household comprising 2 people still in need of emergency accommodation assistance.

The national park Transfer Station will be open tomorrow to accept debris (normally a closed day)

Water is safe to drink and sewerage is operational. Council’s water contractor Veolia serviced the plants today.

The Welfare Centre will close tonight at around 8.00pm.

Anyone in need of assistance is should call Council on 07 895 8188.

For emergencies call 111.

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