Media release #29 Wanganui District weather event - 11.00am 30 June 2015

Published on 30 June 2015

The state of local emergency remains in place following the largest ever recorded flood in the Wanganui District.

Weather forecast

We are gearing up for predicted heavy rain in the rural area later this week. This is likely to overload already fragile systems and cause further slips and debris on roads. More definite predictions from the MetService are expected on Wednesday.

Anzac Parade

Work continues on the clean-up of Anzac Parade properties. The Fire Service will complete pumping out and hosing of the last six properties this morning. Anzac Parade is down to one lane with stop/go controls in staged sections as work progresses on clearing the berms between the Kowhai Park dairy and Eastown Road.

Work is continuing on clearing the Kowhai Park stopbanks and access road areas. It will take some weeks for work at the park to be completed. The public is asked to stay away from Kowhai Park as heavy machinery is operating.

Rural area

The Ruapehu-Wanganui Rural Support Trust is available to help people, particularly farmers, in the rural area who require assistance. Phone 0800 787 254. The Trust has set up a base in the Ministry for Primary Industries office at 60 Ridgway Street.

Helicopters will deliver essential supplies to isolated areas on Thursday.

Welfare Centre

The welfare centre at Wanganui Girls’ College will cease operating from 5.00pm today. Support agencies will then be based at the Ministry of Social Development offices at 133 Wicksteed Street.

The welfare team is making contact with everyone who has registered as evacuating their property to check whether they have any additional requirements. The team is also considering any longer term health needs in the isolated areas.

For older people needing assistance or support, please contact Age Concern, phone 345 1799.

Taupo Quay/Moutoa Quay

Taupo Quay is open to traffic. Silt removal from the Moutoa Quay area is almost finished. On Wednesday contractors will help tenants in the Taupo Quay/Moutoa Quay area to remove debris, such as logs.

Building inspections

The Council’s building inspectors are continuing to visit buildings to establish status of liveability.

The team has categorised buildings using coloured notices:

Red: Entry prohibited (building is at risk from external hazard or has been seriously damaged)
Yellow: Restricted access (need to check with power, gas and insurance provider before occupying)
White: No restrictions.

Road closures

Our roading crews are hard at work clearing access to our rural roads. However, the roads are extremely dangerous and slips are continuing to come down. Any rain or wind is affecting the work that has already been done. There are also underslips which may not be apparent. We urge residents to use the roads only if it is absolutely essential and to drive with extreme caution. Newly opened roads are suitable for 4WD access only. We request the general public to keep off the rural roads and refrain from sightseeing. Please do not move road signs or barricades. If there is a road closed sign in place, it means there is no access to that road.

Rural

State Highway 4 – from south of Upokongaro to Raetihi
No 3 Line, from the urban boundary to Kaimatira Road
Whanganui River Road – Koriniti to Pipiriki
Papaiti Road (half open) to Kauarapaoa Road
Ahu Ahu Valley Road (three-quarters open)
Watershed Road (90% open)
Creek Road (three-quarters open)
Bruce Road (half open)
Landguard Bluff Road

Urban

All urban roads are now open.

Walkways closed

Anzac Parade - City Bridge to Georgetti Road
St John’s Hill cycleway SH4/Victoria Avenue
Taylor Street walkway
Mt View Road zigzag

Silt build up

Disposal of silt from private property is the owner’s responsibility. We 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 Yard in Taupo Quay is open to assist residents wishing to dispose of silt. Where possible, silt should be taken to this location. This service is for residents only.

To be safe, treat all silt as potentially contaminated and wear rubber gloves and protective clothing.

Contractors who need to dispose of large quantities of silt should contact the Emergency Operations Centre, phone 349 0001. Contractors cannot use the Bullocks disposal facility.

Disposal of damaged goods from residences and businesses

Disposal of goods and furniture is the owner’s responsibility. Please do not put damaged goods on the road.

People can put their damaged goods on their front lawn if they are unable to get a skip bin because they have no insurance. Applications to the Mayor’s Special Fund for reimbursement for skip bins will be considered on a case by case basis.

Minor flooding of properties

Residential sections that have been subject to flood water and silt can be treated by spreading hydrated lime to remove odour and some contaminants. Contact the Council if you have any concerns about your property.

Insurance claims

For those who 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.

If residents return home and find water has gone through the inside of their property (and there is no notice to this effect) please contact the Council’s Building Control team immediately, phone 349 0001.

Power

Power has been restored to customers throughout the district. However, parts of the network remain fragile and are being monitored.

Please visit the Powerco website for updates: www.powerco.co.nz/Outages-and-Faults.

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.

Temporary accommodation

Any evacuated residents needing long-term temporary accommodation can talk to Housing New Zealand at the Work and Income offices at 133 Wicksteed Street.

Volunteer assistance

All volunteers are being co-ordinated through the Emergency Recovery Office.
If you are able to volunteer, please call the Volunteer Co-ordinator on (06) 349 3055.
If you need help with cleaning up after the flood, the Volunteer Co-ordinator can put you in touch with people who have registered to assist. Phone (06) 349 3055.
Volunteers are asked to provide shovels, wheelbarrows and gumboots where they can.

Volunteer assistance criteria

Volunteers may be allocated to assist private property owners under the following understanding:

Information to property owners

Volunteers working on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.
Owners are advised that there is no have knowledge of the background of the volunteers.
The owner is responsible for health and safety of persons working on their property i.e. don’t ask them to do anything that could result in injury.

Information to volunteers

Volunteers shouldn’t have to do any work for the owner that they consider dangerous or risky.
It is possible volunteers will be asked when on site to carry out tasks that are not related to the flooding. It is up to the discretion of the volunteer whether they agree to do the work. They are encouraged to limit their assistance to the flooding event.
On completion of the task please report to the Supervisor that the work has been completed.

Donations

Donations to assist people affected by the floods can be made to the Mayor’s Special Fund:

Westpac 03 0791 0355050 04.

This fund will be available to support people with their more immediate needs.

Water

All Wanganui District tap water is safe to drink.

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 4 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