Lake Okareka residents on high alert as lake level rises

Residents in low-lying Lake Okareka properties are on alert as already high lake water levels continue to rise.

Welfare and accommodation assistance has been offered, Rotorua Lakes Council said on its website. This rise in the lake level is the highest recorded since the 1960s, it said.

The lake level has been high for the past couple of months following multiple weather events and a pump to reduce the level was installed earlier this month by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which monitors the lakes. Rain during the past two days has seen water levels rise again.

According to MetService the rain is due to continue until just before 10pm tonight and more rain is expected during the next week or so.

Staff from both Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council are monitoring the situation and will remain on call. Emergency services and Infracore are on standby if assistance is required.

Go here for lake level updates.

Advice for residents

If you need welfare assistance or temporary accommodation contact Rotorua Lakes Council for help on 07 348 4199 (24 hours).

Stay away from the water's edge. Levels can rise faster than expected and the ground can become unstable.

Sandbags can be purchased from local garden and landscape supplies.

Take extra care on the roads if you need to travel.

Check on neighbours who may need assistance.