CHILLED: Snow blanketed the top of the Ruahine Range this morning. PHOTO WARREN BUCKLAND
CHILLED: Snow blanketed the top of the Ruahine Range this morning. PHOTO WARREN BUCKLAND
About 400 weather-affected Bay people are still without power.
Unison Networks relationship manager Danny Gough said the weekend's wild weather made for severe network damage in areas that feed customers in Tutira (Pohokura/Ridgemount), Puketiri, Esk Valley, Patoka and Otamauri but crews have now been deployed and restoration is commencing.
Hesaid customers could still be without power for a few days. "With about 20 poles down, extensive vegetation issues and lots of wires lying across the ground, this is the worst damage we have seen in around 10 years.
"We also face very tough terrain in this region, so that's the biggest challenge our crews out there are facing.
"We are working with Civil Defence who are out there in the community assessing their needs in terms of access, supplies and animal welfare. "We have also been liaising with Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ and Rural Support to help our community get through this challenging time."
