No major issues reported following rainfall

Key emergency response agencies have reported no major issues as a result of today’s rainfall.

The worst of the forecast heavy rainfall appears to have passed and agencies, who were prepared to respond to flooding if necessary, are now planning to gradually stand-down response staff. Rain will continue throughout the day but significant flooding, such as was experienced earlier this month, is not expected. Agencies will continue to monitor the rainfall today and respond if necessary.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel attended a meeting late this morning of Civil Defence and emergency response agencies.

“None of the agencies reported any major issues but it was reassuring to know that the city was prepared for the worst. We would have been ready to respond to heavy rainfall and flooding, but, thankfully, there has not so far been any need. However they are on standby should anything develop.

“I’d like to thank agencies and staff who have been working hard all week to prepare for the possibility of heavy rain and flooding. I know it will be a great reassurance for the people of Christchurch that so many crews were ready to help if needed.”

Agencies involved in this morning’s meeting included: Christchurch City Council operations and welfare staff, Civil Defence, Police, Fire Service, Red Cross, Orion, Community and Public Health, and the Canterbury District Health Board.

High winds had caused some tree damage on the peninsula and the Fire Service will continue to respond to incidents as required. Power is being restored to properties in the city and peninsula where electricity was cut earlier this morning.

The Council’s roading team had responded to 13 calls from the public by 11am this morning to clear surface flooding, but no road closures had been required.

Community and Public Health is advising people to avoid rivers and recreation activities in the water for 48 hours after the rain stops. If surface flooding does occur, residents should stay out of the water and wash any clothes which come into contact with it.

Welfare staff and Neighbourhood Support have been out in the community checking on residents in areas affected by past flooding. However no issues have been reported.

Other agencies had staff and additional resource on stand-by but had reported no major issues.

Around 20,000 sandbags were available to members of the public this weekend, after Council contractors dropped them off at key locations or delivered them around the city. The Council is advising people to keep the unused sandbags in storage at their homes.

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