Eye to recovery as response continues

Taranaki Civil Defence is maintaining contact with households in remote areas which remain cut-off and providing urgent welfare, medical and other necessities. The State of Emergency in Taranaki remains and is reviewed each day.

The Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has appointed Craig Campbell-Smart as Recovery Manager. When the declaration is lifted the Recovery Manager will coordinate long-term community support for the affected people across the whole region.

Waitotara township

Most residents in Waitotara have now returned to their homes or have arranged alternative accommodation locally. The cleanup of homes and streets in the town is underway. All homes in Waitotara have now been assessed.

Taranaki District Health Board advises that water at Waitotara School is currently safe to drink and monitoring is ongoing. Wai-inu Beach water supplies are safe to drink. Tankers are supplying drinking water to the township.

The local Information Centre at the Waitotara Hotel remains open. If people have urgent needs they should contact Civil Defence 0800 or call 111 for medical emergencies.

Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund

Public donations can be made to the Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund to help people affected by heavy flooding and storm damage.

Details are: TSB Bank, 15-3947-0492814-01 “Taranaki Disaster Relief Fund”.

The relief fund was jointly set up by South Taranaki, Stratford and New Plymouth district councils and Taranaki Regional Council.

Donations to the Taranaki Disaster Relief fund are the most efficient and effective form of assistance for those affected by the emergency.

Assistance

People with urgent and essential needs can contact the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009.

Rural support

The Taranaki Rural Support Trust can help farming and rural families affected by flooding and road closures. Contact 0800 787 254

Roading

SH43 between Stratford and Taumaranui is open but drivers should expect delays due to maintenance. SH3 south of Hawera at Manutahi is still reduced to one lane due to washout. Slip clearing at Mt Messenger tunnel is delaying traffic on SH3 north.

Many local roads within the region remain closed due to slips and flooding.

Get the latest updates here:
South Taranaki: tinyurl.com/STroads
Stratford District: tinyurl.com/StratRoads
New Plymouth District: tinyurl.com/NProads
North Island State Highways: tinyurl.com/StateHiways

Power

People should contact their energy retailer to report faults or for information about power cuts or go to Powerco’s website http://www.powerco.co.nz/Outages-and-Faults/

Customers who wish to use their own generators must arrange for a certified electrician to connect the generators for safety reasons.

Health and safety

Everything that has been in contact with floodwater should be treated with caution. Personal hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of disease following flood events.

All beaches in the NP District have been signposted with 5-day “Do Not Swim” notices.

Other

Kiwi Rail advise that the line from Marton to Hawera is closed due to multiple slips. It is estimated it will take two weeks to re-open.

Boaties are also advised to be aware of flood debris that has been washed out to sea.

ENDS

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