Update No 7: 1600hrs 11 July, 2007

Prepare for Flooding, Dargaville Warned

Dargaville residents are being warned to prepare themselves for the possibility of the Northern Wairoa River flooding the town.

Hydrologist Dale Hansen says the floodwaters from the Mangakahia River are heading towards the town.

Flooding is predicted to occur when water from the system reaches Dargaville township during high tides about 9pm today and 9am tomorrow.

The floodwaters had already passed through the Tangiteroria/Kirikopuni area, after peaking about 4.30am today at a record 13.95m above normal at Titoki Bridge.

“That’s approximately a metre higher than floodwaters reached during Cyclone Bola.

“There is also a large volume of water coming from the adjacent Wairua River system, which has coincided with the Mangakahia River peak just upstream of the Tangiteroria Bridge on SH14.”

Mr Hansen says this has already caused extensive flooding on the lower flood plains and spilled over SH14 at Kirikopuni, effectively closing the road.

Hydrologists have also repeated their earlier warnings that people in coastal areas around Northland should be wary of tides that might be up to a metre higher than usual today because of the storm.

Weather-related information - including road closures – will continue to be posted as they come to hand on the Northland Regional Council’s website on the following link www.nrc.govt.nz/flooding

Those without power should listen to More FM (91.6FM ) or Classic Hits Radio Northland (96FM) for emergency updates.

Alternatively, they can telephone the following organisations for information;
- Kaipara District Council 0800 727 059
- Northland Regional Council 0800 002 004

ENDS

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