Media release #3 – Wanganui District flooding: 15 October 2013 – 6.00pm
Published on 15 October 2013
A state of local emergency has been declared for the Wanganui District because of the threat of flooding to properties and roads. Red Cross and Rural Fire teams are visiting affected properties with evacuation information. This affects 110 residential and approximately 50 commercial properties in Anzac Parade, Taupo Quay and Putiki.
Whanganui River
The Whanganui River is predicted to reach up to 14.8 metres at Pipiriki. The river is expected to overtop the stopbanks at Kowhai Park about 7.45pm on Tuesday. The river level will remain high overnight. There is a risk that the prolonged peak may compromise the stopbanks.
Residents of Anzac Parade properties between Mt View Road and Jones Street are being evacuated, as well as some properties in Putiki (on Takarangi Street, Kemp Street and Putiki Drive near the Whanganui City Bridge). Properties on the lower (river) side of Taupo Quay between Moutoa Gardens/Pakaitore and Pitzac, plus 2-28 Taupo Quay have been contacted (these are mostly commercial premises).
A Civil Defence Centre has been set up at St Paul’s Hall, Cooks Street, to assist people who have to evacuate their homes.
Security will be in place for evacuated areas.
Checklist for property owners who have to evacuate
Gather your personal identification, valuable papers, toiletry items, essential medicines, extra clothing, torch.
Arrange alternative accommodation for your pets.
Secure your property.
The supply companies will turn off your power and gas.
Place your belonging as high off the ground as possible.
Keep listening to the local radio stations for more information:
- NewstalkZB 1197AM
- Classic Hits 89.6FM
- More FM 92.8FM
- Radio Live 96FM
- National Radio 567AM or 101.6FM
- The Avenue 105.6FM
Sandbagging
Sandbagging is being done in Brunswick Road where some properties are threatened by a stream bursting its banks. Sandbagging will also be done in Putiki and parts of Anzac Parade. Sandbags are being placed on the stopbanks at the Matarawa Stream bridge.
Sewerage system
All flood waters should be considered contaminated as the sewerage system has overflowed in some places.
Power and gas
All power and gas lines should be treated as live at all times.
Sightseers
The public is requested to keep away from flood affected areas. Military personnel and police patrols will be operating overnight. Do not attempt to drive or walk through flood waters unless it is absolutely essential.
Roads
Parihauhau Road – closed
Kaukatea Valley Road – closed
Longacre Road – closed
Mangamahu Road – closed
Burmah Road – closed (signs by Wyley’s Bridge)
Parapara – SH4 – closed
Kauangaroa Road – slips, but still open
Whangaehu Valley Road (used to be Field’s Track) - closed due to flooding
Whanganui River Road – closed due to flooding
Makirikiri Valley Road – closed due to flooding
Junction Road – closed
Te Rimu Road – closed due to flooding
Kaiwhaiki Road – closed Rangitatau East Road – open, but slips and drop out
Tokomaru West Road – open, but slips
Bridges
No bridges are closed. However, traffic travelling to and from Wanganui East should use the Dublin Street Bridge as part of Anzac Parade between Jones Street and Mt View Road is closed, except to residents who need to evacuate their properties.