Evacuation urged for low-lying residents

Cyclone Cook is smashing down on the Bay of Plenty. Photo/John Borren

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is strongly advising all residents in low-lying coastal areas to consider self-evacuating this afternoon in advance of tonight's high-tide if they feel unsafe.

The storm surge was predicted to be at 2.5m higher than normal along the coast and 0.8m in Tauranga Harbour.

Areas identified below this level and which may be most affected are Waihi Beach, Bowentown inner harbour, Athenree, Little Waihi, Maketu, Pukehina Beach and Matakana Island.

In Tauranga City they were Inner Harbour and Pilot Bay, Harbour Dr, Strange Gr and Beach Rd.

People in the Te Puna West area, particularly Matahiwi Rd off Snodgrass Rd were also asked to evacuate.

In general, if you live in any low-lying area around Tauranga Harbour, please evacuate.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence group controller Clinton Naude said they were encouraging residents in these areas to be aware that significant swells and sea surges were expected within the next 12 hours.

"These residents need to be watching for natural warning signs and if worried or in doubt - don't wait for official warnings, move to families and friends or another safe location on higher ground."

"Our advice is that it is best to do this now during daylight and before conditions deteriorate further."

Residents should self-evacuate with their pets, to friends or family in other areas. They should avoid driving long distances if possible, and take their get-away kits: medication, warm clothing, water and food for three days, basic first aid supplies and important documents.

To track the cyclone in real time, click here.

If you do not have a safe place to go to nearby, you can go to one of the following welfare centres for shelter:

- Omokoroa Community Church: 139 Hamurana Rd
- Waihi Beach RSA: 99 Beach Road
- Katikati War Memorial Hall: Main Road, Katikati
- Tuapiro Marae: Hikurangi Road
- Pongakawa Hall: 956 Old Coach Rd
- Maketu School: 8 School Road
- Matua Hall: 110 Levers Road, Matua

The welfare centres will only be able to welcome pets if they are in a cage.

Whakatāne, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and Opotiki councils have advised those who do self-evacuate should register with them by calling.

- Whakatāne District Council 07 306 0500
- Western Bay of Plenty District Council (07) 571 8008 or 0800 WBOPDC
- Tauranga City Council 07 577 7000
- Opotiki District Council 07 315 3030

Regular updates would be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence.

As the situation evolves, more information would become available.

For text message alerts from Civil Defence, send a text to 2028 and enter area code (TA for Tauranga, WB for Western Bay, KA for Kawerau, WH for Whakatane, RO for Rotorua, OP for Opotiki).
ENDS

Bay of Plenty Radio Stations and their frequencies:

Tauranga and Western Bay

- National Radio 101.0 FM & 819 AM
- Newstalk ZB 90.2FM & 1008 AM
- The Hits 95 FM
- Breeze 95.8 FM
- More FM 93.4 FM
- Radio Live 100.6FM

Te Puke

- 89.0 FM & 1242 AM

Whakatāne

- National Radio 101.7 FM
- Classic Hits 90.5 FM
- Radio Live 92.1 FM
- 1XX 90.5 FM
- SunFM 106.5
- TumekeFM 96.9

Edgecumbe, Ōpōtiki & Kawerau

- 1XX 90.5 FM