Civil Defence Emergency Management Staff Airlifted to Tolaga Bay

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management staff will be airlifted into isolated properties in Tolaga Bay this morning to provide welfare checks and essential food supplies.

Anyone affected by the flood event and requiring support should contact Council so CDEM can be advised.

Contractors have been working around the clock to clear silt and debris from roads and Glenroy, Anaura Bay, Kaiaua, Waiomoko, Panikau, Pakare Roads are now open.

Yesterday contractors pushed through the major slip on Arakihi Road, inland of Tolaga Bay to find another slip on West Ho Road. Arakihi, West Ho, Kiore and Rangikohua roads remain closed.

Structural engineers are coming in from Wanganui to help progress bridge inspections. In some cases the underside of the bridges cannot be assessed because there is no access underneath.

Tairaiwhiti Civil Defence Emergency manager Louise Bennett said that while road closures might be frustrating for residents, it was a matter of safety first.

A large amount of debris, sludge, silt is still on the roads and the public is reminded to stay off any that are closed. Police are monitoring this.

Severe weather watches issued overnight have been lifted. All rivers stayed below the first alert levels and no new issues were reported in Tolaga Bay because of the rain.

For up to date information on river levels and road closures, please visit the GDC website

ENDS

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