Whanganui River flood levels biggest on record

Heavy rain throughout the Region has resulted in the Whanganui River flood levels becoming the biggest on record.

Horizons Regional Council recorded the Whanganui River reaching a peak of 9.1 metres at Town Bridge at 3am, with a flow rate of 4,690 cubic metres a second.

Horizons incident controller Michael McCartney says it has been a challenging night in Wanganui as flood levels exceeded the flood protection standards for parts of Wanganui.

“Our emergency management staff had both barriers in place by 8pm on Saturday evening and have helped to contain the flood waters within the designed area. Wanganui District Council, Police, Army and fire service have evacuated over 200 people in the Anzac Parade/Kowhai Park area and all affected people have been taken to a safe, dry place.”

Mr McCartney/Grant says duty staff kept a close eye on river levels throughout the Region over night.

“The majority of our river systems have reached their peak and are beginning to recede. This morning we will be ensuring our small, isolated communities are taken care of, touching base with our city and district councils in regards to evacuees and checking infrastructure.

“Surface flooding is expected to recede as river levels drop. Thankfully the weather forecast is looking up but we’re aware as people return to their properties there is going to be a big clean-up to face.

“Once the welfare of our communities is taken care of we will be turning our focus to essential surfaces before moving to assess any damage. This will be underpinned by constant monitoring of risk.”

Key emergency agencies will have a full briefing at 8.30am where local actions will be identified.

Horizons’ Emergency Operations Centre will remain activated for as long as required.

Please see Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui for the latest updates across the Region.

For information regarding road closures please see the NZTA website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/highway-info/road/7873/north-island.html or AA Road Watch http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is also available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD (35663) or via website www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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