Post-flood recovery – Update 19

Civil Defence is urging people who have been affected but haven’t called the Rotorua Lakes Council, on 0800 020 001 or 348 4199, to get in touch.

Civil Defence Recovery Manager, Andy Bell, says the primary priority for the Emergency Operations Centre remains the ongoing welfare of Rotorua residents.

“We know hundreds of residents have been affected by the event on the 29th of April but what remains a concern at the top of our mind is those who have been impacted by the storm but have not contacted us. We need to ensure that everyone who has been affected receives support to help them through the aftermath of the event,” he says.

To date, Welfare teams and building inspections have carried out visits in affected areas:

• Urban area
• Reporoa
• Rerewhakaaitu
• Ngongotahā
• Paradise Valley; and
• Hamurana
A total of 864 welfare visits have been done and a total of 296 building inspections completed.

Of the total number of welfare visits, 100 adults and 31 children have been registered as needing immediate support from Civil Defence.

This includes providing emergency accommodation following an event and support with items such as clothing and food before temporary support from other agencies can be provided.

Mr Bell encourages anyone who’s been affected by the event on the 29th of April to get in contact with Council.

“We want to ensure you have support, even if you are currently staying with relatives or friends, we want to ensure we do our best to let you know there is a wider support network here to help you,” says Mr Bell.

Of the 296 building inspections that have been carried out, 92 of those properties, most of them residential, have been deemed uninhabitable.

Welfare support
• If you have been affected by the storm on the 29th of April, please contact Council on 0800 020 001 or 348 4199
• If you haven’t already, please let your insurer know about your situation
• If you need emergency accommodation contact Council on 0800 020 001 or 348 4199; and
• If financial help is needed phone Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009 or visit workandincome.govt.nz
• The Temporary Accommodation Service has been activated by the Government to support people displaced by the flooding. More information on the service can be found at www.temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz
The Civil Defence Hub in Ngongotahā will be open daily for people to drop in for updates or if they need assistance or advice.

• Where: 7 Oakland Place, Ngongotahā (blue shipping container)
• When: 1pm – 4pm Monday to Friday
10am – 2pm Saturday & Sunday
Donations
Please remember, if you wish to make a donation to help people who have been affected, you can give a koha (donation) via:
Details:

• Account number: 02-0412-0234516-006
• How: Direct Credit or in person at Rotorua Lakes Council building.
• Details: No specific statement details are needed.
Civil Defence Recovery Manager Andy Bell says applications for two Community Wellbeing Navigator positions closed yesterday.

“These roles will be to provide support and assistance to those people affected by the floods and will work with Council’s Civil Defence and Recovery staff and the support agencies to ensure that help is put in place for the residents who need it.”

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