Flood and quake round-up from across the Bay of Plenty

DISASTER RELIEF FUND

A Mayoral Relief Fund has been set up for residents of Whakatane and Opotiki Districts affected by the flooding in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Donations can be left at any branch of the BNZ.

For more information: Whakatane District Council: (07) 306-0500

Opotiki District Council: (07) 315-6167

Helpline: 0800 FLOODLINE (0800 779-997)

Earthquake claims: 0800 652-333

State of emergency

A state of civil emergency has been extended to cover the whole Whakatane district. It will be reassessed at 12 noon today.

Police and Army are patrolling areas where homes are damaged or families evacuated, mainly in Whakatane and Edgecumbe, to ensure no looting occurs.

Evacuations

Whakatane District

About 1000 people were expected to spend last night in evacuation centres. Most were from Awatapu, Whakatane and Edgecumbe. Te Teko residents returned home yesterday. It is hoped some Whakatane and Edgecumbe residents can return today.

Ruatahuna

No evacuations have been made but slips and washouts along SH38 have cut the town off from both Murupara and Waikaremoana. No telephones are operating and residents are running low on food. A helicopter is delivering basic food supplies. A welfare centre has been set up at the Ruatahuna Store.

Opotiki District

All evacuees returned home or to temporary accommodation at 3pm yesterday. No one was expected to spend last night in emergency shelter.

Road conditions

SH2 between Opotiki and Matawai was closed last night but expected to reopen this morning, caution advised at Waioeka Gorge.

SH30 between Rotoiti and Te Teko: caution advised at Lake Rotoma.

SH35 between Opotiki and Omaio, closed due to slips. No alternative route is available.

SH35 between Opotiki and Hicks Bay, caution is advised between Opotiki and Lottin Point due to slips and flooding.

SH38 - Murupara - Huiarau Saddle: several cars were stranded between slips and washouts and occupants airlifted by rescue helicopter yesterday.

Many roads are still being assessed. Slips and washouts are causing problems throughout the district. Caution is advised, especially on back roads.

Check with local police, Transit or AA for updates on closures.

Water supply

Water supply was expected to be restored to all areas besides Awakeri by this morning.

Awakeri: Water supply is expected to be off until tomorrow morning. A tanker is available at Awakeri School, residents should provide their own containers. Another tanker will be available for delivery. Ph (07) 306-0500.

Ruatoki: Water supply pending power which was expected to be restored last night. If reservoir has recovered overnight, water will be supplied by tanker, residents should bring containers.

Power supply

Power was expected to be restored to all areas by today.

School closures

Closed Today: James St, Ruatoki, Edgecumbe Primary and Edgecumbe College, staff to attend if possible, Paroa, Whakatane High, Trident, Whakatane Intermediate, staff to attend.

Closed Until Further Notice:

Childcare and playcentres: Colours preschool and education centre, Edgecumbe, Opotiki, Otakiri, Manaui (till Wednesday), St Georges, Starlight, Little Orchard (Whakatane and Edgecumbe).

Kindergartens: Edgecumbe, Apanui, Strathmore, Garaway

Kohanga reos: All closed in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Schools: Waimana, Nukuhou North, St Mathias Anglican Church, Te Mahoe, Omaio.

Learning Institutions: Te Whare Wananga, Te Ara Kowhaira, Anamata, Whanga O Aotearoa, Waiariki Institute of Technology, Ngatiawa Private Training Establishment (reopens Monday 26), Te Kura Kopapa Maori Te Ahuranga Owhakatohera.

Urewera National Park

Three people were airlifted to safety yesterday after being trapped near rising headwaters, Whakatane River.

Earthquakes

Four earthquakes were recorded yesterday. The Earthquake Commission is urging owners of property damaged by landslips and earthquakes to lodge claims as soon as they can. There have been 165 claims to date.

Farming

Federated Farmers has estimated between 400 and 500 dairy farms have been affected and many remain underwater. Farmers finding or missing animals are able to call 0800 264-632 to check the "lost and found" service.

Insurance

For insurance purposes people are told not to throw away damaged goods.

Evacuees/Winz

Evacuees must register at a welfare centre to be eligible for Winz support. Welfare centres are located at the war memorial hall in Whakatane, the House of Hope in Kawerau, the Awakeri Events Centre, Awakeri, the Awakaponga Hall, Caverhill Rd or Rangitahi Marae, Matata.