Media release #4 – Wanganui District flooding: 15 October 2013 – 10.00pm
Published on 15 October 2013
Civil Defence Controller Kevin Ross says it’s too close to call whether or not the Whanganui River will overtop the stopbanks in the urban area tonight.
The river peaked at Pipiriki at 14.7 metres at 6.00pm, a level lower than predicted. The peak through the urban area is now expected at about 1.00am Wednesday and is currently predicted at 8.38 metres.
“We have been sandbagging the low points on the Kowhai Park stopbanks but at this stage it’s a close call whether the river will go over the top of the stopbanks – we just can’t say with certainty,” Mr Ross said.
“There is also a risk that the prolonged peak of water may compromise the stopbanks, even if it doesn’t go over them.
“We will continue to monitor the river levels overnight with staff rostered within the Emergency Operations Centre. Having access to Army personnel from Wanganui and Linton has been fantastic. They have provided the manpower to fill and place the sandbags and have helped with the road cordons. The Red Cross emergency response team and the rural fire crews have also provided great support.”
Residents
Residents of Anzac Parade properties between Mt View Road and Jones Street have been 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). Security will be in place for evacuated areas.
A Civil Defence Centre has been set up at St Paul’s Hall, Cooks Street, to assist people who have to evacuate their homes. By 9.00pm Tuesday 113 people had registered with the Centre and 18 people had been found temporary accommodation.
Cordons
Road cordons are in place in the following areas:
Anzac Parade – Jones Street to Georgetti Road
Putiki
Taupo Quay and Moutoa Quay
Sewerage system
Manhole covers have lifted along Anzac Parade and the flood water is contaminated with raw sewage.
All flood waters should be considered contaminated as the sewerage system has overflowed in some places.
Caution on all roads and footpaths
Manhole covers may have been dislodged or blown on roads and footpaths throughout the district. People are urged to take the utmost care when travelling as the covers may have moved.
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.