Media release #9 Wanganui District weather event 6.00am 21 June 2015

Published on 21 June 2015

Whanganui River

The Wanganui District is experiencing the largest flood ever recorded in our district. The Whanganui River level seems to have stabilised and no significant increase in flooding is expected. However, it is likely to take all day Sunday for the roads to clear of floodwater.

Bridges

The Dublin Street Bridge is open to emergency services only.

The City Bridge is closed until a structural assessment can be done.

Evacuated properties

About 100 properties, and some 200 people, have been evacuated. A large number of residents have also self evacuated.

Many properties will not be able to be accessed until Monday at the earliest and it is more likely to be Tuesday before people can return to their properties as they will need to be cleaned and limed due to sewage contamination. Evacuated areas will continue to be cordoned off and the cordons will be manned. In addition, Police mobile patrols are on duty throughout the community.

State Highway 3

Whanganui Police are asking people not to try to travel south on State Highway 3. They will not be allowed through the cordons except in a real emergency.

Residents are asked to conserve water and to treat all flood waters as contaminated.