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

Compiled by ELIZABETH BINNING

State of emergency

A state of civil emergency has been extended until noon today when it will be reassessed.

Evacuations

Most Edgecumbe residents were allowed to go home yesterday. Residents from 12 Whakatane streets were expected to spend last night in evacuation centres.

Damage

Up to 3000 dwellings and 10,000 people affected by the flooding.

Insurance Council expects claims from at least 1500 Whakatane residents. The Earthquake Commission is expecting about 2000 claims as a result of land slips and the swarm of earthquakes that struck the area.

Security

Police and Army officers organised security patrols in some areas. Residents of Edgecumbe are also mounting floating neighbourhood watch patrols.

Earthquakes

Small aftershocks were still being reported yesterday and are expected to continue for the rest of the week.

Road conditions

SH2 between Opotiki and Nukuhou North, closed, slips, no alternative route.

SH2 between Taneatua and Nukuhou North, closed, flooding.

SH35 between Opotiki and Omaio, closed, slips, no alternative route.

Water supply

Water has been restored to most areas with the exception of Awakeri, which is still being serviced by a tanker.

School closures

Closed Today - Apanui, Edgecumbe, Garaway and Strathmore Kindergartens, St Joseph's Whakatane, Te Arareo Maori.

Closed All Week - Te Mahoe School, Edgecumbe Playcentre, Manui Playcentre, Anamata (staff to attend if possible).

Matahina Dam

Rumours of a major crack in the dam caused panic yesterday, with many people ringing the district council asking if they should evacuate. TrustPower says there is no crack or structural damage.

Farming

Approximately 2000ha of farmland and 200ha of orchards have been affected by the floods.

Insurance

The insurance industry has moved more than 100 extra staff into the Eastern Bay of Plenty to help deal with claims.

Relief funds

Whakatane/Opotiki Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund - donations at BNZ branches.

Rural insurer and financial services company FMG has donated $100,000. The Government has contributed $20,000.

1XX Flood Relief Fund - donations at ANZ branches or phone 07-308-6239.

Red Cross automatic $20 donation - 0900 33100.

Contact numbers

Stopbanks, pumps and river matters: Environment Bay of Plenty, 0800 ENV BOP (368 267).

Water, sewerage, roading and evacuation matters, call district councils: Opotiki 07-315- 6167; Rotorua 07-348-4199; Whakatane 07-306- 0500.

Government Flood Freephone: 0800 779 997.

Federated Farmers Helpline: 0800 FFLOOD (335 663). Missing stock helpline 0800 264 632.

Radio 1XX has information on school and road closures and water supplies. 07-308-6239.