MEDIA RELEASE #19 WANGANUI DISTRICT WEATHER EVENT - 11:00AM, 24 June 2015
Published on 24 June 2015
The Wanganui District is currently in recovery mode after experiencing the largest flood ever recorded in our district.
Good progress is being made clearing slips on rural roads. Road closures will continue to be shown on the media releases from Wanganui District Council (www.wanganui.govt.nz). However, SH4 (Parapara Road), River Road and Kauarapaoa Road do have multiple slips and dropouts that will take some time to clear.
Our building inspectors are assessing buildings within the cordoned off areas to establish status of liveability. We would like to reiterate that until properties are inspected, they will be treated as contaminated and uninhabitable.
If your house or business is in a cordoned off area and the cordon has not yet been lifted, you may not enter regardless of whether there is a red, white or yellow notice on the building. Cordons take priority over notices. The cordons are in place to protect public safety.
The team continues to categorise buildings using coloured notices:
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Red: Entry prohibited (building is at risk from external hazard or has been seriously damaged)
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Yellow: Restricted access (need to check with power, gas and insurance provider before occupying)
- White: No restrictions
For security reasons, the areas that have been inspected will not be made public.
Rural District
Our welfare team are hoping to have reached all communities in the isolated areas by lunchtime today. Helicopters are being used to reach isolated communities and identify needs of properties difficult to reach. They will be gathering information on resident numbers and food requirements for these communities.
Welfare will be co-ordinating with patient’s GP practices and Whanganui District Health Board to assess and respond to medical needs of these communities.
Individuals that require evacuation – such as expectant mothers or people with long-term health conditions – will be evacuated on a case by case basis.
Bridges
All bridges are now open.
There is a road block on Anzac Parade at Pehi Street.
Water
All houses in residential areas have water, with the exception of six houses who have been contacted and provided with water. All Wanganui District tap water is safe to drink.
Gas
If you have self-evacuated from your residence please ensure you contact your gas supplier. Gasnet staff are on standby and a call centre is open – 0800 3492050.
Evacuations and welfare
Public Health
Evacuated areas remain cordoned off and are being manned. Police are providing mobile units around other areas of the city that have been affected by flooding. People who have evacuated their properties should not return home under any circumstances until the property has been assessed and decontaminated if necessary. The welfare centres at St Paul’s Hall and at Wanganui Girls’ College are open today.
GP’s
All GP’s and Pharmacies are open in the district. Please see your usual GP and Pharmacy.
Important Notice Regarding Dust
Patrick O’Connor, Medical Officer of Health, Public Health:
As silt dries, dust is becoming a notable feature of the clean-up.
Evidence, based on studies of liquefaction exposed to sewage in Christchurch, indicates a low risk of bacterial and viral infection to public.
There may be irritant effects, especially to eyes, nose, and throat. Some individuals are more susceptible than others. Goggles and masks may be needed in some circumstances. Wet wiping of surfaces minimises dust exposure. Careful hand-washing is recommended after direct contact with the dust.
Supporting one another
While the wild weather has passed, we still need to look after each other. It’s important to check on those around you, your friends, whanau, and neighbours. If you know of people who might need support - the elderly, people with disabilities, young families, those with English as a second language - please check on them, share this message and translate if needed/possible.
Health care professionals will be at St Paul’s Welfare Centre today, Thursday, and Friday, 10am-12pm, if you want some support or just a chat and a cuppa tea.
Animal welfare
If you have a dwelling in a cordoned area, and you are concerned about your pets, please contact the Wanganui District Council on (06) 349 0001.
Roads
Access is available west and south on State Highway 3. State Highway 4 (Parapara) is closed due to multiple slips, flooding and trees blocking the road – this is due to be closed for some time.
We advise extreme caution on all roads as they are affected by slips, debris etc. Roading authorities advise that the effects of the recent event are long term and road users need to be cautious as roads will be fragile for some time.
Silt build up
Disposal of silt from private property is the owner’s responsibility. Council urge residents not to put silt on the grass verge or road as this is likely to block the stormwater drainage system that drains the roads and surrounding properties.
Bullocks in Taupo Quay are open to assist residents wishing to dispose of silt. Where possible, silt should be taken to this location.
To be safe, treat all silt as potentially contaminated and wear rubber gloves and protective clothing.
Disposal of damaged goods from residents and businesses
Disposal of goods and furniture is the owner’s responsibility.
Minor flooding of properties
Premises which have had flood water under or around buildings, but not up to the level of the floor framing, do not need to notify the Council for an inspection unless there is structural damage to the building or land slip risks. Residential sections that have been subject to flood water and silt can be treated by spreading hydrated lime to remove odour and some contaminates. Contact the Council if you have any concerns about your property.
Central city cordons
Part of the city centre remains cordoned off as a no-go zone. Cordons are in place at:
Both Trafalgar Square public car parks (accessed from Taupo Quay and Wilson Street) are no-go zones.
Road closures – urban
Taupo Quay – between Bates Street and Victoria Avenue
Drews Avenue and Market Place - between Rutland Street and Taupo Quay
Ikitara Road at Willis Street
Mt View Road – access for residents only
Anzac Parade – Georgetti Road to Jones Street
Anzac Parade – Jones Street to Eastown Road
Road closures – rural
State Highway 4 Kaimatira to Raetihi
Kaukatea Valley Road
No 3 Line – urban boundary to Kaimatira Road
Whanganui River Road – State Highway 4 to Pipiriki and to Raetihi
Mangamahu Road (part)
Matarawa Valley Road
Parihauhau Road
Polson Road
Tokomaru East Road
Tokomaru West Road
Rangitatau West Road (end only)
Rangitatau East Road (end only)
Watershed Road
Waipapa Road
Raupiu Road
Bruce Road
Creek Road
Mangawhero Road
Otamoa Road
Siceleys Road
Fields Track
Ahu Ahu Valley Road
Papaiti Road – Kauarapaoa Road
Ototoko Road
Smith Road
Sewell Road
Whangaehu Valley Road
Te Rimu Road
The Parapara (State Highway 4) is closed but crews are working towards Fields Track.
Walkways closed
Anzac Parade - City Bridge to Georgetti Road
St John’s Hill cycleway SH4/Victoria Avenue
Taylor Street walkway
Durie Hill steps
Power supply
We urge residents to contact Powerco website for updates: www.powerco.co.nz/Outages-and-Faults/
Insurance Claims
For those who do have insurance, it is advised to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible and make a claim. For those who do not have insurance, it is advised that you contact Work and Income New Zealand, who are available to assess anyone in difficulty and offer advice.
If any community organisations would like printed copies of this information couriered to them, please call 0800 888 202 or email info@iombudsman.org.nz and these will be sent out to you.
Contact Information
Key agencies involved in the response are working to keep their online resources, such as websites and Facebook pages, as current as possible. We encourage people to ‘bookmark’ these sites for information on this and future events.
Wanganui District Council
www.wanganui.govt.nz
www.facebook.com/wanganuidistrictcouncil
www.facebook.com/yourmayorannettemain
Civil Defence Emergency Management Facebook Pages
www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui
www.facebook.com/nzgetthru
NZTA – Highway Information
www.nzta.govt.nz or 0800 HIGHWAYS
Roading authorities are urging road users to take extra care when driving through the Manawatu Wanganui region. Users are reminded that road conditions in an emergency are inconsistent and to check on-line resources for highway or roadway information before travelling.
Horizons Regional Council – River Levels
www.horizons.govt.nz/choose-river-rainfall-chart