REMAIN PREPARED AS RIVER RISES

Published on 19 April 2026

Media release #2 - Whanganui River flooding event
11.00am, Sunday 19 April 2026

Whanganui District Council Civil Defence emergency management teams and partners are door knocking in low lying areas of Whanganui. Our Whanganui River Road communities have kept the council up-to-date as high river levels move through from the upper Whanganui River catchment.

Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was stood up at 7am this morning after heavy rain overnight affected the Whanganui River catchment.

Welfare teams and emergency partners are door knocking in low-lying areas of Whanganui East, Anzac Parade, Putiki and Taupo Quay letting residents know about potential rising river levels.

People in these areas are encouraged to self-evacuate early and stay with friends and whanau if they are concerned. A Civil Defence welfare centre has been stood up at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Guyton Street for those requiring help.

A review of whether evacuations will be necessary is expected by 12 noon.

Mayor Andrew Tripe encourages the community to remain vigilant and be prepared.

“This next period is critical as we monitor river levels and the incoming tide,” says Mayor Tripe.

Roads are closed at Mangamahu Road, Whanganui River Road and Kaiwhaiki Road, as well as Kainui Road at Mangamahu due to a slip.