Slips and Clean up Keeping Staff Busy

Dunedin (Thursday, 4 June 2015) – Taiaroa Head and the surrounding area is cut off by slips, but it is hoped they will be cleared in several hours.

Dozens of slips, many of them on the Otago Peninsula are keeping Dunedin City Council staff and contractors very busy.

The DCC advises this has been more than a one in a 100 year flood, with about 175mm of rain falling in 24 hours (4am yesterday to 4am today). The one in a 100 year flood level is 120mm over 24 hours.

DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says crews have been out again across Dunedin since daybreak clearing slips and dealing with flood related issues.
“We are working to clear slips blocking the Otago Peninsula beyond Doon Street to Macandrew Bay. Residents beyond Weir Road will not be able to get out due to slips. We are working as fast as possible to clear this. Our advice for anyone concerned about the situation should call 03 477 4000, or if it is an emergency call 111.”
South Dunedin remains a key concern and the Civil Defence Welfare Committee has set up a welfare centre at the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church at 393 King Edward Street. Welfare and DCC staff are available there if you need advice or assistance.
Red Cross, Police and DCC staff are visiting the hardest hit areas in South Dunedin to check on residents and properties. If you have concerns about your property, call 03 477 4000.

Emergency services and the DCC are urging motorists to avoid flooded areas, unless they live or work there or are checking on family or friends. People driving around to look at flooding are causing problems as the cars create bow waves which are pushing floodwaters into properties.

Even though the rain has stopped, there are still hazards on the road and drivers should take care and drive to the conditions.

Fire Service crews remain fully committed, especially with pumping activities in South Dunedin.

The Southern District Health Board has set up an emergency operations centre (EOC) in response to flooding to co-ordinate support for staff and patients. EOC Incident Controller Elaine Chisnall says DHB services have been unaffected by flooding, with business as usual in all areas. Patient clinics and surgery are proceeding as planned today.

For general flooding information, visit www.dunedin.govt.nz. For the most up-to-date road conditions and closures visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area.

You can also visit
Dunedin City Council Facebook Page
Dunedin City Council Twitter Page
MetService for Dunedin
NZ Get Thru

ENDS

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