PLEASE NOTE THAT STATE HIGHWAY 1 HAS CLOSED AGAIN AT BIG KURI CREEK, HAMPDEN.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT WE ARE STILL ADVISING PEOPLE ON RURAL WATER SUPPLIES TO CONSERVE WATER, BUT WE ARE NOT ADVISING TO BOIL WATER AT THIS TIME.

Media Release 12
26 May 2010
0945

We have experienced a quiet night with no additional problems arising. However we are still on alert and are monitoring the situation.

More information will become available as daylight allows for a thorough assessment of the District. We are being assisted in this by the NZ Army who have provided soldiers and two Unimogs to enable us to access isolated areas.

Rain has been steady overnight and is expected to continue, with snow forecast to low lying areas by this evening.

We still advise the public to avoid non urgent travel as many roads across the District remain impassable. State Highway 1 south of Oamaru has closed again at Big Kuri Creek, Hampden. SH 83 and SH1 north of Oamaru remains closed. All people on rural water supplies are advised to continue to conserve water.

Please continue to listen to local radio for further updates.

Rivers
•Kakanui River water levels have stabilised and are now dropping after peaking at around 10pm Tuesday night.

•Shag River appears to have peaked and is now also dropping.

•Overall River levels remain high, however.

Roads
Motorists are advised to avoid travelling in all areas. If driving, they must drive to the conditions and be alert to surface flooding on roads throughout the District.

Drivers are asked to drive slowly as wave action will wash water into roadside properties.

•The Kakanui Bridge is now open.

•The Maheno Bridge is now open.

•The following State highways are known to be affected by surface flooding at this time:

o SH1Closed between Waitaki Bridge and Pukeuri

o SH1 south of Oamaru has closed again at Big Kuri Creek, Hampden.

o SH82 remains Closed

o SH83 remains closed.

•Many local roads are now closed because of surface flooding at this time – a full list can be found at www.waitaki.govt.nz and will be updated as these roads reopen.

Water Supply

All rural water supply users are to conserve water as heavy rain has compromised water quality.

The following water supplies have been shut down due to flooded intakes: Awamoko, Dunback, Hampden, Moeraki, Herbert, Waianakarua, Kauru Hill, Lower Waitaki, Goodwood & Windsor.

Schools and Kindergartens

•All School Bus Services will not be running today, including the town bus.

•All Kindergartens are closed today.

•Waitaki Boys High, Waitaki Girls High, St Kevins College and East Otago High are closed today.

•Westmount School, Papakaio School, Maheno School, Weston School, Ardgowan School, Totara School, Flag Swamp, Glenavy, Hampden, Duntroon and Five Forks Schools closed. No confirmation yet on other rural schools.

•St Josephs Primary is closed. All other Oamaru Primary Schools are open.

•Oamaru Intermediate and Kakanui School opening from 10.00 am for town students only.

All residents are encouraged to ensure that their emergency kits are ready. For further information on emergency preparedness residents are advised to check the back page of their telephone book or visit www.getthru.govt.nz

ENDS

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