Rain eases as monitoring continues

Rain is easing across the region, allowing rivers to recede and crews to turn their focus to community welfare and damage assessment.

Horizons Regional Council incident controller Craig Grant says state of local emergencies remain in place for Wanganui and Rangitikei Districts.

“The Whanganui River experienced its highest flows on record at a peak of 9.1 metres and a flow of 4,690 cubic metres per second at 3am at Town Bridge. This equates to a one in 100 year flood,” Mr Grant says.

“Flood waters overtopped the Anzac Parade stopbanks in Wanganui at around midnight last night and water levels are not expected to recede until 10am today. Many of those evacuated in the Wanganui area will not be able to return to their homes for some time.

“Rangitikei District Council also evacuated six people from the Turakina Beach village of Koitiata last night with assistance from Rural Fire Crews and the New Zealand Army. They are currently working to determine the situation in the village and it is expected that coordinated aerial reconnaissance efforts will get underway across the region this morning.

“There are a total of 237 registered evacuees remaining across the region and an unknown number of self evacuees who have sought accommodation with friends and family.

“Our role at this point is to provide support for our local Emergency Operations Centres. People and their welfare are the main focus.

“We will also be looking to ascertain the level of damage and any residual risk to the region’s flood protection network and put plans in place to manage this.”

The Moutoa floodgates are expected to remain operational until late tomorrow.

A number of road closures remain in place. People are advised to visit the NZTA website for information on the State Highway network. City and district council websites will report closures on local roads.

Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui is also acting as a hub for emergency information and people are encouraged to keep an eye on this page for any updates.

ENDS

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