MEDIA RELEASE - RAIN EVENT July 2013 #4

Friday 12 July, 2013

Moutoa flood gates opened to relieve pressure on river

The Moutoa flood gates were opened at 10 this morning to relieve flood flows in the lower Manawatu River.

Horizons Regional Council group manager operations Allan Cook says “rain has eased and the Manawatu River is nearing its peak however it has become necessary to open the Moutoa Sluice Gates to relieve pressure on the lower Manawatu River”.

“The gates were last opened in July 2011 and effectively act like a giant tap. They enable flood water to be directed through a shortcut called the Moutoa floodway, protecting much of the Opiki area and the floodplain downstream from major flooding,” Mr Cook says.

“The gates are opened slowly and no more than necessary to keep the river at its target level. We are expecting a peak flow of around 1380 cumecs which is towards the lower side of historic opening flows.”

Farmers in the Moutoa floodway are asked to keep stock out of the affected area until further advice.

Horizons will continue to monitor river levels. A number of staff are currently in the field inspecting any damage caused by flooding and further updates will be provided should the situation change.

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is also available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via website www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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