Rain and river levels ease but dozens still without power

Dozens of people are without power this morning in the northern part of the Gisborne region and seven people remain isolated inland from Ruatoria but the worst of the rain in the region is now over.

The heavy rain warning has now been lifted for all but the southern hills of the district where a further 40mm to 60mm are expected to midnight tonight.

Eastland Network is working to restore power to people in the Te Araroa, Waikura Valley and Mata Road areas.

Gisborne Civil Defence controller Jon Davies said this morning the region had come through lightly considering the volume of rain received throughout the district, the highest for some years.

Hikuwai, north of Tolaga Bay, had about 330mm of rain in two days. Further heavy rain last evening saw the Hikuwai River at Willow Flat reach a high of 12 metres by 1am this morning. From that time, the rivers throughout the district began to recede. Residents in the Mangatuna and Paroa Road areas had earlier been warned of rising river levels but were safe in their homes.

Since midnight Sunday, several parts of the region received more than 300mm of rain, with 140mm at Matawai and about 120mm in the city.

“All rivers in the district were up to alert level and threatened to flood over roads but did not quite do so. The whole area is saturated with a number of slips and slumps. Surface flooding will continue for a few days so extreme caution is required on the roads.”

Temporary vehicle access for residents isolated at Matahiia, inland from Ruatoria, will be assessed today. The Mata River washed away their sole vehicle access on Monday night.

Several roads remain closed and others are considered marginal for 4WD access. The Wharekopae Road is now open. Check Gisborne District Council’s website www.gdc.govt.nz for roading updates.

“Because of the volume of rain we have had, we will have wastewater contamination of floodwater. We advise people not to swim in floodwaters. There is no problem with drinking water.”

Mr Davies said emergency services and council had received minimal calls during the event and none overnight.

The rain also forced the closure of a dozen grounds in the district including the main rugby and soccer fields.

ENDS

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