Access has been cut off to 20 homes in Lower Hutt’s Point Howard after a large slip came down, rupturing a gas line, and taking out powerlines.
About 165 households in the area are now without water and 75 properties don’t have electricity.
“Residents are advised to conserve water, avoid flushing toilets, and avoid unnecessary water usage to minimise the impacts of water disruptions in the area,” Hutt City Council said.
Two water tankers are available on Marine Dr for any residents who want to fill their own containers. It’s hoped water will be restored in 24 hours and power restored later this evening.
Emergency services on site at the slip on Howard Rd. Photo / Nick James
Cordons are in place and the area from 21 Nikau Rd and 40 Howard Rd has been closed.
Limited foot access is available past the top of the slip for residents who wish to stay at home, although residents affected by cordons and water outages should consider finding alternative accommodation with friends and family where they can, the council said.
Ten additional car parks at the bottom of Howard Point have been reserved for residents so they can walk up.
Hutt City mayor Campbell Barry said the council’s emergency office has been activated to provide additional support to affected residents overnight.
1 of 4. There has been a landslide at 78 Howard Road, Point Howard. There is no loss of life or injury. Fire and Emergency NZ are working on assessing the situation and making services safe, including power and gas.
He said the council will get to the bottom of why the slip happened.
“Obviously, we did have the heavy rain yesterday, there was a leak that was fixed in the area as well in the last wee while so we do want to look further into that, but it would be too early to speculate.”
Barry was unaware of what the damage was to houses, if any, at this stage.
Wellington Water earlier said the slip was caused by a burst water pipe last night and when it was assessed this morning it had dislodged a power pole.
“Fire and Emergency are on-site as the power lines are arcing on the road, and the road is closed. The slip has also caused a breach in a gas line, and the team is awaiting attendance from the Gas Utility.”
The slip on Howard Rd in Lower Hutt. Photo / Nick James
There is also a further leak on the drinking water pipe, but it cannot be repaired until the other utilities recommend it’s safe.
Fenz shift manager Chris Dalton said five fire service vehicles attended the scene this morning including three trucks.
The property where the slip occurred is currently for sale, asking for inquiries over $1.3 million.
