NORTHLAND CLEANS UP

Northland is cleaning up in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Wilma with crews working to reopen roads around the region.

River levels are dropping throughout most of the region although the Northland Regional Council is continuing to monitor levels, particularly in larger catchments where floodwaters are still at record highs.

Tony Phipps, of the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group – which is continuing to monitor the situation from its Whangarei-based Emergency Operations Centre – says much of the floodwater is receding quickly.

However, Mr Phipps says the Council will continue to monitor the region’s major river catchments – such as Kaeo, Punakitere, Kawakawa, Waitangi, Wairua, Wairoa and Mangakahia – which reached record, or near record levels and are still of concern.

Most roads around the region are expected to reopen over the next 24 hours with crews working to remove slip debris.

Both the Far North District Council (FNDC) and Whangarei District Council say a number of areas have been affected by flooding, and some communities are still cut off.

There is still substantial disruption to traffic flows on SH1 with closures north of Kawakawa and the main routes into the region – SH1 at Dome Valley and SH16 – also remain closed and Mr Phipps is urging motorists to stay off the roads.

Paihia’s water treatment plant was also damaged and residents are being asked to conserve water over the next 24 hours.

Power outages continue in many coastal communities in the Far North while the residents in Whangarei Heads, Tutukaka/Ngunguru, Parua Bay and Kauri in the Whangarei District are also without power.

Around 70 people from Kaeo through to Kawakawa were evacuated overnight however residents from Kawakawa are returning to their homes as the floodwaters recede.

Mr Phipps says exposed sewage pipes in Opua and potentially sewage-contaminated floodwaters and harbours are a concern.

He warns about the health risks from swimming or collecting shellfish from the region’s harbours over the next couple of days, or longer and health authorities will provide an update on the health risk.

Boaties are also being warned to keep an eye out for any debris or navigational hazards around our harbours and coastline over the coming days.

Road closure information for the state highway network can be checked on the AA Roadwatch website www.aaroadwatch.co.nz and Whangarei District Council is providing local road updates on its website www.wdc.govt.nz

Alternatively, you can telephone Far North District Council on 0800 920 029 or Whangarei District Council 0800 932 463 for local road closure information.

River and rainfall data from throughout Northland is also automatically posted at two-hourly intervals on the Regional Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz/riversandrain

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