Recovery continues

Recovery efforts continue around the Region as flood waters recede and communities begin the clean up with the support of local agencies.

Horizons regional group controller Craig Grant says all city and district councils are now turning their focus from response to recovery.

“Assessments of housing, roading and infrastructure are being undertaken at a local level, with districts working to make contact with communities still isolated by impassable roads. There are approximately 325 registered evacuees throughout the Region and around 250 of these are from Wanganui.

“From the reports we have received this has all been well coordinated and our districts are working together to share resources where possible. We’re aware there are a lot of people asking how they can help others in need and ask that people please refrain from donating food and goods at this stage.

“A full needs assessment will be carried out to determine what’s required and where these goods should be directed.”

The Manawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust has been reactivated to accept donations from those who wish to help those affected by the recent widespread flooding. The Trust was formed in response to the 2004 floods and the Trustees represent all local authorities in the region.

Chairperson Eric Linklater said the Trust played a vital role in the 2004 floods helping Councils and relief agencies target funds to where it was most required and wish to assist once more.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by depositing funds into the following Westpac bank account – 030-728-0411355-00.

Mr Grant says contamination of water continues to be a problem across the Region and people are asked to stay away from any ponded surface water. Hunterville residents are asked to boil water due to silt contamination and Marton residents are asked to conserve water.

“The key focuses today have been to continue our support to the district councils affected by the flood, assess damage to our flood protection assets and provide support to our rural communities. As part of the support we have deployed pumps to Wanganui to assist with pumping water from the Anzac Parade area.

“River levels are continuing to drop, allowing drainage systems to start draining water away, and the Moutoa floodgates will close this evening at approximately 6pm.”

A local state of emergency remains in place for Wanganui. The welfare centre at Wanganui Girls’ College in Wanganui East will remain open overnight. The welfare centre at St Pauls Community Centre in Guyton Street will close at 12 midnight and reopen at8am Tuesday 23 June.

Minister of Civil Defence Nikki Kaye and Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy will be visiting the Region tomorrow.

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 or via website www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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