Focus shifts from response to recovery

Focus is shifting from response to recovery, with emergency management teams working to assess the needs of communities and impacts on infrastructure across the Horizons Region.

A state of local emergency remains in place for both the Wanganui and Rangitikei Districts. However, river levels are receding.

Horizons Regional Council incident controller Craig Grant says aircraft are currently up across the Region to provide a big picture view of the impacted area.

“The water is receding in the Wanganui River however high tide is expected at 2pm today. Following that, members of our operations team will breach the stopbank by Kowhai Park, allowing water currently in that area to flow back through to the sea.

“Rangitikei is also experiencing limited cell phone and internet coverage at the moment due to a suspected break in the fibre optic cable between Marton and Wanganui. This is currently under investigation.”

The number of known evacuees remains at 237 across the Region. These evacuees are ok and being supported by district councils and relevant welfare agencies.

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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