Extent of Coastal Damage Becomes Clear

An initial assessment of the coastal areas of Central Hawke’s Bay District has confirmed extensive damage caused by torrents of water, mud and silt, and the massive clean-up job ahead for roading and other infrastructure contractors. Three settlements remain cut off leading to an evacuation plan of action for affected residents.

A review of the damage this morning and aerial assessment by local Mayor Peter Butler and Civil Defence officials confirmed the highest priority areas to be Aramoana, Kairakau and Mangakuri, currently the most isolated settlements along the coast. Four people will be evacuated from Aramoana, 30 from Kairakau and 15 from Mangakuri. Many from the coastal community at Pourerere have already been able to evacuate with some residents choosing to remain.

Road crews also completed an initial air assessment of the coastal area, and some ground repairs have already started. Roading damage will take some weeks to restore to a safe standard. However basic access could be restored to coastal settlements within 2 to 3 days.

Four road closures with road blocks will be in place until access can be restored to a safe state, they are at:

• Hunter Road & Blackhead Road corner

• Motere Road & Long Range Road intersection

• Pourerere Road & Long Range Road intersection

• Kairakau Road at Elsthorpe Village

Centralines staff are yet to advise the extent of damage to electricity supply.

The Waipukurau Welfare Centre at Russell Park is operative and receiving its first evacuees.

People with any concerns can contact Council on 06 857 8060.

People should stay out of floodwaters, due to health risks from pollution and safety risks from underwater objects. Personal hygiene, especially hand-washing is very important to prevent the spread of disease.

A state of local emergency was declared by Central Hawke’s Bay District Council on Thursday morning and is still in place.

Floodwater

It is important to stay out of floodwaters as they can be polluted and should be treated with caution. Personal hygiene, especially hand-washing is very important to prevent the spread of disease. Floodwaters can carry bugs that cause disease from the ground surface, septic tanks and sewage systems. These can contaminate food:-

Wash cooking, eating and other kitchen utensils if they have been covered by floodwater in hot soapy water, Rinse thoroughly in safe water, then disinfect by immersing for one minute in a solution of 500 mls (about two cups) of household bleach in 10 litres of water. Rinse again in safe water. Alternatively boil all utensils for one minute and let cool.

Destroy all unpackaged food and food items packed in paper, cardboard, or non-waterproof material that has been exposed to floodwater.

If power to fridges and chillers was off for less than 24 hours, and chillers were not opened during the power cut (or only opened briefly to add bags of ice) contents must be checked but should be OK.

If power was off for more than 24 hours, or chillers were opened (eg not to add bags of ice) readily perishable food should be discarded

Eat perishable food first – non perishables last.

If you have no power avoid unnecessary opening of the fridge or freezer.

Always wash and dry your hands before preparing or eating food – if water is in short supply keep some in a bowl with disinfectant or use an alcohol based hand sanitiser If in doubt throw it out

Water

Assume water from the tap is contaminated until you have been told via the media it is safe

Always boil water for drinking if a ‘boil water” notice is in force Reboil water that is not used within 24 hours

If you have no power to boil water then purifying tablets or common house hold bleach can be added to ensure its safety. Add one teaspoon of household bleach per 10 litres of water, mix and leave for 30 minutes. Store covered in a clean container.

Boiled or purified water should be used for washing food that will not be cooked e.g. salad, fruit etc. For washing cutlery and crockery, wiping work surfaces and equipment, brushing teeth and other personal hygiene and cleaning water storage.

ENDS

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