Flood damage assessment continues

23/06/2015 7:47:41 a.m.

Minister of Civil Defence Nikki Kaye and Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy will visit the flood-affected Horizons Region today as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage.

No significant rainfall is forecast for the Region over the next 10 days. However, as rivers drop and flood waters are pumped away, authorities are gaining a clearer picture of the impact on people and infrastructure.

Horizons regional group controller Craig Grant says all communities that have been isolated by slips and blocked roads have now been identified. The majority of these residents are in rural parts of the Wanganui District.

“Authorities are working to make contact with any residents who they have not yet been able to reach and provide food parcels and medication by helicopter where required,” he says.

“Building inspectors are working to assess flooded properties in Wanganui and categorise these buildings using a coloured sticker system.”

Red means entry is prohibited as the building is at risk from external hazards or has been seriously damaged, yellow is restricted access with an authorised person as structural safety is in question, white indicates no restrictions on property access.

Horizons Regional Council is continuing its assessment of the region’s flood protection network. Staff are also working closely with Fonterra, milk supply companies, Federated Farmers and Beef & Lamb to provide advice to affected farmers.

“If farmers are at all concerned regarding any regulatory issues they are advised to contact Horizons’ rural advice team on 0508 800 800. Welfare of people and stock is top priority,” Mr Grant says.

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 to the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust can do so by depositing funds into the following Westpac bank account – 030-728-0411355-00

The Wanganui District Council Mayoral Fund has also been activated for people wanting to make specific donations to the people of Wanganui inboth the urban and rural areas. Donations to this fund can be made via Westpac account number 03 0791 0355050 04. People are being asked to leave their contact details and name as the reference details if they wish. If you would like to make a contribution the account number is Westpac 03 0791 0355050 04. Over to you if you want to leave us your contact details and name as the reference.

Information about road closures is available from NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz with information about local roads posted to local council websites.

Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui will continue to act as a hub for flood-related information.

ENDS

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