18 August 2004

12 noon - flooding hits rural roads

The continuing heavy rain was starting to cause significant concerns late this morning.

* Takarau Gorge Road, between Johnsonville and Makara Beach, was closed by flooding about 11am, however Makara Road, closed earlier by slips and fallen trees, is now open.

* Takapu Road, a rural road near Tawa, has been closed by flooding, slips and fallen trees.

* The Northern Landfill, near Churton Park, has been closed due to strong winds blowing debris about.

* The Basin Reserve remains closed to the public. About 15 windows in the R A Vance Stand have been blown out by the southerly winds - and glass fragments have been blown out into the roadway. It is feared more windows could be blown out. People are advised to stay away from the area.

* Electricity has been cut to many areas as falling trees and branches bring down power lines.

* Moa Point Road remains closed due to huge seas breaking over the southern end of the Wellington Airport runway.

* The road from Seatoun to Breaker Bay has been closed at the Pass of Branda due to water and debris

* Council Parks staff have closed off the walking tracks on Tinakori Hill due to the danger caused by many falling trees.

* Panels have blown off two buildings at Queens Wharf on the waterfront, and windows have been blown in at the former Herd Street Post Office Building. People are advised to stay away from the area.

City Council Infrastructure Manager Stavros Michael says damage and disruption around the city and region is significant. "The city has taken a right old battering."

He says the Council's Call Centre has handled several hundred calls this morning. "It's been as busy as it gets." Call Centre staff have dealt with more than 40 reports of fallen trees, 30 reports of power lines down - and scores of other incidents.

ENDS

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