NZ storm: Civilian Defence update

Current Civil Defence Emergency Operations as at 11am today.


LATEST SITUATION

Civil Defence Emergency Declarations in Manawatu-Wanganui and South Taranaki remain in force.

WEATHER

Rain is forecast for the hill country of the lower half of the North Island for the evening of Saturday 21.

Saturday will also bring gale force winds to exposed hill country regions and exposed places.

On Sunday, the weather may stabilise before a new front approaches on Monday.

MANAWATU-WANGANUI REGION

The state of the Regional Civil Defence Emergency for the Manawatu-Wanganui Regions remains in force.

All rivers are below flood level, other than Whangaehu.

Close monitoring of rainfall and rivers is being maintained in the face of the forecast rain.

Ponded water is a major issue, more so with further rain in the next few days.

Roads: The Manawatu Gorge remains closed. many rural roads in the region are closed by flooding or damaged bridges, with repair and opening being coordinated by regional Road Access Committee.

Telecommunications: Landline and mobile communications in the region have significantly improved. Mobile services are fully restored.

Hill Country Damage: Significant erosion of hill slopes and valleys as well as land sliding.

Evacuations - As at 1700 Feb 19 2004:

Manawatu District - approximately 90 evacuees

Rangitikei District - 450-660 evacuees

Horowhenua District - 63 evacuees

Tararua District - Some self evacuations in Woodville

Ruapehu - 46 evacuees

Wanganui - Unknown, following up on self-evacuees that have not been in contact.

Sewage and Water:

Southern Fielding: Limited water supply, but bottled water is being delivered and new pipes being constructed.

Mangaweka: Now supplied with water by Tanker.

SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT

The Declaration is still in force for the township of Waitotara Valley.

Evacuations: Approximately 40-50 residents were evacuated.

Communications: Telecommunication suppliers are attending to outages in Waitotara Valley.

Sewage and Water: Limited water supplies. Sewage and water tanks will need to be pumped before residents are safely returned to their homes.

Additional Support:

Two welfare/food drops have been made via helicopter to valley residents.

HAWKES BAY REGION

The disruption to the gas supply is a significant issue. Planning is in place for public health and lifeline customers (e.g. hospitals) levels.

WELLINGTON REGION

River levels in the Wellington region have not caused concern after last nights downpour. Both SH1 and SH2 closed this last evening, the cities of the Wellington region were again isolated by road from the rest of the North Island. Both are now open to a limited degree.

KAPITI COAST

SH1 closed by flooding near McKays Crossing.

UPPER HUTT

SH2, Rimutaka Hill. closed by some 14 slips, some major, trapping 30 vehicles, occupants evacuated by Police to Upper Hutt. Surface flooding and landslide(s) damaged one house.

HUTT CITY

EOC is active

Marine Drive, between Lower Hutt and Eastbourne, was closed by major slip but one lane now open.

Evacuations: As previous, 20 properties confirmed uninhabitable.

SOUTH WAIRARAPA

The Tauherenikau River is being monitored.

At Carterton, the Kaiwhatatangata River is threatening SH2.

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT

The declaration of Feb 17 had been terminated. people have been allowed to return to their homes except for approximately 15 houses in Picton, which are still affected by the floodwaters.

GENERAL ISSUES

Tranz Rail:

North Island Main Trunk Line, (Palmerston North to Taihape) due to open today.

Napier - Gisborne line open Friday evening.

Marton - New Plymouth line estimated seven days repair.

Woodville - Masterton line, estimated Friday evening repair.

New Zealand Red Cross is leading a co-ordinated effort in announcing an emergency appeal to assist people affected by the flooding and storms in the lower North Island and upper South Island. An independent body will be appointed to co-ordinate and administer the allocation of donations. The number to call to make an automatic donation of $20 is 0900 33 200. Or you may post your donation to Freepost Red Cross, P O Box 12-140, Wellington or online at www.redcross.org.nz

- NZPA