Heavy rain and flooding in Wairarapa
Heavy rain in the Wairarapa on Wednesday has caused flooding, slips and some road closures, particularly in the south
east of the area.
The heavy rainfall resulted in exceptionally high river levels in the Kaiwhata, Whakataki, Mataikona and Awhea rivers
(all in the east).
Stopbanks have been overtopped on Abbotts Creek, Huangaroa and Tauherenikau rivers (in South Wairarapa).
Rainfall has been particularly heavy in some areas, with 112mm being recorded at Castlepoint between 6 and 9 pm
Wednesday evening – 56 mm of this was in one hour. Rainfall was also very high in the Masterton urban area with around
140 mm recorded in 24 hours. Greater Wellington has also had a report of 400 mm of rain over 36 hours in Homeburn, in
the south east of the region.
Floodways in South Wairarapa have been operating since Wednesday evening. Greater Wellington engineers and land
management staff have been inspecting damage throughout the Wairarapa since early this morning (Thursday).
There have been no reports of stock losses.
High river levels are expected to continue in the Lower Ruamahanga River and Lake Wairarapa for three to four days,
depending on weather conditions.
District councils in the Wairarapa are currently coordinating road closures for their districts.
ENDS