Flooding update: Council staff working out where support is needed

Areas in the region that have been affected by flooding. Image/Supplied

Contractors and Civil Defence staff are working in affected areas and building a picture of the damage in the district and where support is needed.

While out in the field, Rotorua Lakes Council staff have become aware that a number of residents who have been affected by Sunday's storm have not contacted the council and are trying to cope on their own.

The council encourages everyone who has been affected to get in touch on (07) 348 4199 as soon as possible so it can record the issues, provide advice and offer welfare support.

Roading update

Tarawera Rd near Te Mu Roa has been damaged by an under-slip and is reduced to one lane.

However, the road is otherwise fully operational and can be used by heavy vehicles, including trucks and buses.

Contractors are at the site and undertaking works to mitigate further damage.

It will take some time to complete a full repair of the damaged road.

Other roads:

• Rerewhakaaitu Rd is closed due to washout and structural and erosion damage to bridges

• Mountain Rd becomes a single lane near the summit, beyond the residential area, due to an under-slip

What to do if your home was affected by floods:

• Contact your insurance company

• Contact the council's customer centre on (07) 348 4199 and register your details so a recovery officer can make contact and see what support you need

• An information hub for Ngongotaha residents has been set up in a blue shipping container at 7 Oakland Place. This facility replaces the marquee that had been on the corner of Western Rd and Pioneer Rd.

• The information hub will be open from tomorrow between 9am and 4pm - Monday to Friday

Welfare support:

• Residents from several blocks of flats in Ruihi St are being asked to leave their home because of health concerns due to sewage and surface water flooding their properties

• The Civil Defence Welfare team is registering residents and checking to see if they have alternative accommodation

• The team has arranged accommodation

• Welfare is also trying to contact residents who haven't returned home to let them know the situation

• Anyone who has self-evacuated and hasn't contacted the council is asked to get in touch so we have assurance that everyone affected by Sunday's severe weather knows how to access support that's available to them

• Contact the council on (07) 348 4199