.jpg)
Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti Civil Defence emergency management teams are closely monitoring flooding and water levels in streams and rivers across the regions on Sunday morning.
Heavy rainfall and flooding overnight has been affecting parts of the Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti/Gisborne regions.
Roading crews, council operations and emergency response are active, with an evacuation centre set up in Wairoa.
"Flooding is affecting parts of the Wairoa District," says a Wairoa District Council spokesperson.
"If you need to leave your home due to flooding, please go to the War Memorial Hall on Queen Street which has been set up as an evacuation centre.
"Call 111 if you fee unsafe."
.jpg)
Surface flooding near the Waimata River. Photo: Gisborne District Council.
Residents of Te Karaka are being asked to be on alert as the Waipaoa River creeps up to 7metres. Tairāwhiti Emergency Management and Māhaki Tiaki Tangata are closely watching the levels.
"We will update people as the situation changes. Anyone feeling unsafe or in a low lying area should self-evacuate otherwise be prepared to leave should the river level reach 7.5metres.
"Take your pets and food supply for you, your whānau and animals."
The Te Karaka Area School has been set up as the Mahaki Tiaki Tangata Head Quarters for those needing somewhere to go. Overnight the Waipaoa dipped slightly before rising again as the rain came back in.
"The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours to 7am this morning fell at Waimata at Monowai Bridge with 135mm recorded," says a Tairāwhiti Civil Defence spokesperson.
There have also been power outages reported across the district.
Following a night of heavy rain, as of 7.30am this morning there are about 300 customers without power in these areas:
- North of Hicks Bay, including Waikura Valley and Lottin Point
- Tauwhareparae
- Tiniroto
- Ruakituri and Te Reinga
- The James, Mary, Howarth Sts area in town.
"Our crews and contractors are out and will be making repairs throughout today," says a Firstlight Network spokesperson.
"Please keep clear of all lines and treat them as live at all times. To report any issues, or for updates, call our 24/7 faults number on 0800 206 207."
Over the last seven days, 318.4mm has fallen at Wharerata at Radio Track Road, followed closely by Te Puia with 310mm. Stay safe out there whānau."
"We’ve seen heavy rainfall overnight across parts of Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti," says a NZ Civil Defence spokesperson.
"The rain has affected water levels in some streams and rivers, and has created some surface flooding in low lying areas.
"While the rainfall is forecasted to ease off this morning, we want to remind people take extra care around affected areas."
NZ Civil Defence urge people to put safety first, posting safety messages to Facebook on Sunday morning:
-
Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
-
Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
-
Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimeters deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
-
Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require special assistance.
Keep up to date with your local Civil Defence Group:
Remember to stay up to date with the latest weather warnings at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home and check Waka Kotahi https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner for road conditions prior to travelling.
">
0 comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.