Media release #12 Wanganui District weather event - 9.00pm 21 June 2015
Published on 21 June 2015
Whanganui River
The Wanganui District is experiencing the largest flood ever recorded in our district. The Whanganui River level is dropping in the urban area and it is hoped building inspectors will be able to begin assessing the worst affected urban properties on Monday.
We are working to assess the rural community’s needs over the next few days. For welfare concerns overnight on Sunday, please contact our Emergency Operations Centre on 349 0001.
Bridges
The Dublin Street Bridge is open to emergency services only. The abutments will be assessed on Monday morning when the water level drops. It is unlikely to open before noon on Monday.
The City Bridge is closed until the approaches on both sides of the bridge can be checked and made safe. The bridge itself has been assessed as structurally sound. A decision will then be made on whether the bridge can reopen. It is unlikely to occur before noon on Monday.
Water supply
Power has been restored to the Kai Iwi bores, the three major bores which supply the city. The Westmere reservoirs are now refilling. In the meantime, please continue to conserve water use.
Emergency services
The Fire Service and St John Ambulance have crews and vehicles stationed on the Wanganui East side of the river. The Fire Service is focusing on pumping contained water and this will increase in the coming days with the arrival of additional resources and high volume pumps. The Police also have a crew at Wanganui East as well as crews on the city side of the river. Maori Wardens and Community Patrols are assisting with patrols in the central city overnight.
Schools/educational facilities
Contact schools and other educational facilities directly to check whether they will be open on Monday.
Residents are asked to treat all flood waters as contaminated. People who have evacuated their properties should not return home under any circumstances until the property has been assessed and decontaminated if necessary.