State of Local Emergency remains in place

Published on 19 April 2026

Media release #3 - Whanganui River flooding event
2.00pm, Sunday 19 April 2026

No mandatory evacuations are required after the flood peak and high tide in the Whanganui River at midday was lower than forecast. However, residents in low-lying areas are being asked to remain vigilant.

Whanganui District Council Civil Defence declared a State of Local Emergency at 6.57am this morning. Emergency management teams and partners door knocked low-lying areas of Whanganui as a precautionary measure to advise residents of the rising river.

Mayor Andrew Tripe commended the community’s resilience in light of lower than forecast river levels.

“As a community based around the Whanganui River, being prepared for flood events like this should be second nature. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best. In this situation, the forecast has come out for the best at this stage,” he said.

Our Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Operations Centre team and partners worked overnight and throughout the day and will continue monitoring and communicating with the public in preparation for forecasted local rain this evening with a high tide around midnight tonight.

The State of Local Emergency will remain in place overnight and its status will be reviewed once there is confidence that our community is safe.

While there are no mandatory evacuations, this does not stop people evacuating to stay with friends or family if they feel it is necessary for their situation.

“The key message for our community is to stay safe, stay vigilant and up-to-date,” Mayor Andrew said.

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

The river boardwalks at Moutoa Quay and Drews Avenue remain closed.

Roads leading to Kowhai Park and surrounding land on Anzac Parade are blocked as ponding is present and the community are advised to stay away.

“It is important that residents stay out of floodwater and be wary of entering areas where surface flooding is occurring,” says Mayor Andrew.

Please keep updated on the Whanganui District Council Facebook page, website and Antenno.