Cyclone Vaianu: Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Whakatāne live updates

• Cyclone Vaianu has left a trail of destruction across the Bay of Plenty.
• While an orange heavy rain warning has lifted for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, a red strong wind warning remains in force until 9pm.
• Ōhope and coastal Thornton residents were ordered to evacuate in Whakatāne, and have been asked to stay where they are as authorities continue to assess and fix damage. Tauranga and Western Bay residents living in coastal and low-lying areas were earlier advised to seriously consider self-evacuating.
• Thousands of people have been without power across the Bay of Plenty today.
•  A local state of emergency was declared in multiple areas including Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne and Waikato including Coromandel.
• Do you have photos, video or updates to share about Cyclone Vaianu? Email us at news@bayofplentytimes.co.nz or news@dailypost.co.nz