Cable Bay open in a week says Civil Defence

Pilot Toby Reid helps load supplies for those stranded at Cable Bay after persistent rain caused multiple landslides and flooding. Photo / Tim Cuff

Civil Defence is hoping to open up access to Cable Bay within a week's time.

The area has been cut off following the Nelson-Tasman flooding.

Power has been restored to the majority of homes in the small settlement.

Civil Defence is working to create a one-lane road within a week to be used only by residents and emergency personnel.

They will make a second food and supply drop tomorrow if needed, which is likely to be much larger in size than last evening's, now that residents have power.

Access to a popular South Island summer holiday spot will be closed over the holiday period.

Most residents and holidaymakers are leaving Totaranui from today following severe flooding.

Civil Defence says access to the beach spot will be closed for many months, and the process of clearing the roads will be reassessed following detailed geotechnical evaluation.

Meanwhile, tankers are delivering water to Pohara residents today, as well as additional portaloos.

Damage to the water treatment plant cannot be fixed and replacement parts will be coming from Nelson.

Civil Defence is aiming to secure a non-potable water supply for 95 percent of Pohara and Ligar Bay residents by Christmas.

Numerous roads throughout the region remain blocked.

Pedestrians have been breaching the cordoned area on Nelson's Rocks Road.

The street is closed due to several severe slips and is not safe for pedestrians.

Civil Defence is urging people not to go beyond the fenced area.

Police and New Zealand Transport Agency personnel will be staffing the fenced area until further notice.

Civil Defence is investigating the possibility of requesting New Zealand Defence Force personnel to assist as well.

A temporary ban on swimming, bathing and shellfish gathering has been put in place at a number of Nelson and Tasman beaches.

They include Tahunanui, Ligar Bay, Pohara Beach, Tata Beach, and all beaches at Rabbit Island, Rough Island and Motueka.