Media release #14 Wanganui District weather event
Published on 22 June 2015
The Wanganui District is in recovery mode after experiencing the largest flood ever recorded in our district.
The situation in the rural area is still being assessed. There are a large number of slips on rural roads. Our focus today is to continue to identify the many rural residents who are isolated because of road slips.
The Whanganui River has dropped significantly.
Our building inspectors are still assessing flooded areas. Until properties are inspected we are treating them as contaminated and uninhabitable.
The team will categorise buildings using stickers in three different colours.
- Red: Entry prohibited (building is at risk from external hazard or has been seriously damaged)
- Yellow: Restricted access (structural safety in question – access is only permitted with an authorised person)
- White: No restrictions
Work is beginning on Civil Defence-lead clean-up operations.
Whanganui Police are requesting community-organised clean-up crews not to enter the cordoned areas of Anzac Parade, Wanganui East and the central business district. Please visit www.wanganui.govt.nz for official information.
Volunteers – message from Mayor Annette Main
“We’ve been overwhelmed with people offering their kind help, which shows just how strong and compassionate the Whanganui community is.
We haven’t started our clean-up process yet, as we are still making sure it is safe to begin. But we will be grateful for the help of volunteers when we need them.
If you want to help, please register with our Civil Defence Emergency Management Team on (06) 348 8237.
What we need to know from you is:
- Your name and contact details
- When you can volunteer
- How long can you volunteer for
We need people to be relatively fit and have their own gumboots and wet weather gear.
Once we are in a position to begin the clean-up we will be in touch regarding specific tasks. We may also put you in contact with organisations, communities and individuals who require specific help.
If you have a specific need, please call (06) 348 8237.
If you are an affected home owner or business and might benefit from some volunteer help, please register your request on (06) 348 8237 and depending on the available volunteers we may be able to help.”
Bridges
The Dublin Street Bridge is open.
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.
The Aramoho Rail Bridge is closed to pedestrians.
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, however, we have lifted the ban on using hoses.
Evacuations and welfare
Excavated areas remain cordoned off and are being manned. Police are providing mobile units around the city. The Salvation Army is assisting at welfare centres. Red Cross has started checking vulnerable residents. People who have evacuated their properties should not return home under any circumstances until the property has been assessed and decontaminated if necessary.
Roads
Access is available west and south on State Highway 3. State Highway 4 (Parapara) is still closed.
While some roads are open, there will still be debris. We are advising extreme caution on all roads.
Central city cordons
Part of the city centre remains cordoned off as a no-go zone (see map). Cordons are in place at:
- Taupo Quay/Heads Road near Suzuki New Zealand
- Taupo Quay/St Hill Street
- Taupo Quay/Victoria Avenue
- Taupo Quay/Bates Street
- Rutland Street/Market Place
- Rutland Street/Drews Avenue
- Market Place/Rutland Street
- Wilson Street/ Ridgway Street
Both Trafalgar Square public car parks (accessed from Taupo Quay and Wilson Street) are no-go zones.
Business premises in the bottom block of Victoria Avenue are able to open, other than MaxiLab, Thai Villa and Stellar.
Road closures – urban
Taupo Quay – between Bates Street and St Hill Street
Drews Avenue and Market Place - between Rutland Street and Taupo Quay
Peat Street by substation
Peat Park/London Street
Halswell Street
Alexander Street
Ikitara Road
Quick Avenue
Georgetti Road (open to residents only)
Shakespeare Road
Roberts Avenue
Lucknow Street
Mt View Road
Virginia Road
Glasgow/Harrison Street intersection
Road closures – rural
State Highway 4 Kaimatira to Raetihi
Kaukatea Valley Road
No 3 Line Wakefield Street to Kaimatira Road
Waikupa Road
Whanganui River Road
Kaurapaoa Road
Mangamahu Road
Matarawa Valley Road
Okoia Road
Parihauhau Road
Pipiriki Road
Polson Road
Tokomaru East Road
Tokomaru West Road
Koatanui Road
Rangitatau East Road
Watershed Road
Waipapa Road
Raupiu Road
Junction Road
Bruce Road
Creek Road
Mangawhero Road
Otamoa Road
Siceleys Road
Fields Track
Longacre Road
Ahu Ahu Valley Road
Rapanui Road
Kaukatea Valley Road
Papaiti Road closed (near 547)
Walkways closed
City Bridge to Georgetti Road
St John’s Hill cycleway
Power supply
Some areas are still without power or are experiencing disruption to power supply as repairs are made. Power is out at Ahu Ahu, Blueskin, Brunswick, Kai Iwi (bores ok), Paparangi, Rangitatau East, Te Tuhi Junction and Westmere. Currently power is expected to be restored to all of these areas by 6.00pm on Monday, June 22.
Schools/educational facilities
Contact schools and other educational facilities directly to see if or when they are open.
Primary Health update for those affected by the flood
All General Practices in the Whanganui region are operational, including practices in Marton, Bulls, Taihape and Raetihi. All practices are able to be contacted by phone, except for East Care Medical in Wanganui East. If you are a patient at East Care Medical and need to see the doctor or nurse, please just drop into the practice.
All pharmacies in the Whanganui region are operational and contactable by phone, so please go to your pharmacy for any medication requirements. Some pharmacies do not currently have eftpos or internet access, including Central City, St Johns, Wicksteed, Godderidges, Gonville Health and Radius. Pharmacies without internet access have been advised to contact the patient’s General Practice for an accurate medication list, as all IT systems for General Practices are operational.
Donations of non-perishable food and household items for rural families isolated in the flooded areas can be delivered to the Whanganui Regional Health Network foyer. We are situated on the hospital grounds at 100 Heads Road and our driveway is located a couple of metres to the left of Gate Two – look out for our signage. We are open for drop-off 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. The Red Cross will be collecting the packages from us and disseminating to the areas in need.
All donations are gratefully accepted and if you wish for your donations to be picked up, then please ring Whanganui Regional Health Network on (06) 348 0109 and someone will be dispatched. If you would prefer to donate vouchers, we will purchase items for the food and essential parcels.