Media release #5 Wanganui District weather event 4.00pm 20 June 2015

Published on 20 June 2015

Local emergency declared

Mayor Annette Main has declared a local emergency for the Wanganui District. Mayor Main said the decision to declare was because river levels are expected to be higher than experienced in the 2013 flood, with properties needing to be evacuated.

The Whanganui River is expected to peak at Pipiriki at 15 metres at 4.30pm. The peak is expected to reach the urban area at 1.00am at around 8.54 metres at the City Bridge. This will be very close to overtopping the new stopbanks.

Evacuations

Further evacuations are under way in Putiki (Takarangi Street). There have also been evacuations in London Street and Alexander Street following extensive ponding in Peat Park and the surrounding area. Property owners in areas of Anzac Parade and Taupo Quay are being notified to evacuate. Army personnel will assist with the evacuations.

Kowhai Park

Manhole covers in Kowhai Park have been lifted to allow stormwater and sewage to spill into the park to lessen the impact on nearby properties in Anzac Parade and in the Matarawa Stream catchment. The public must stay out of the park due to the danger of open manholes.

Flood waters

Sewage and stormwater spills are being reported throughout the district so all flood waters should be considered contaminated. Please keep away from creeks and other flooded areas. Drinking water quality is not affected.

Water supply

The city water supply pressure has been reduced and residents are asked to conserve water but the water is fine to drink. Power is out to the Kai Iwi bores – power is expected to be restored to Kai Iwi this evening.

Power

There may still be isolated pockets of power outages. Please contact your energy supply company to report any outages.