Morning commuter alert: South east Auckland affected by flooding – take extra care on the roads

Severe localised flooding has caused damage and disruption to areas of Auckland’s south eastern coast and inland Papakura.

Drivers are urged to drive with extra care in the Papakura, Beachlands, Maraetai, Kawakawa Bay and surrounding areas and are reminded never to drive through floodwaters.

Auckland Council’s Head of Emergency Operations Adam Davis has been in the affected area throughout the night and says that many properties in the Papakura, Kawakawa Bay, Beachlands and Maraetai areas are directly affected by flooding and local roads may be closed or affected by slips.

“Emergency services will continue to support those directly affected and we should see rain easing in the next few hours and flood waters starting to recede.

“As we head into the morning commute we’re asking people to be patient and sensible. Roads are closed due to slips, conditions are messy and slippery, and areas are flooded.

“Attempting to drive through floodwaters can be disastrous for vehicles and requires emergency services to rescue people – we don’t want to see any more of this happening.

“Consider delaying travel in these areas until floodwaters have receded,” he says.

The following is a summary of affected areas:

• Papakura and Clevedon – severe inland flooding closing roads with stormwater mains affected. Fire Service and Auckland Council Stormwater responding with at least one property evacuated with assistance of fire service.

• Kawakawa Bay – 15 houses affected by flooding; slips on Turei Hill are preventing people getting out of Kawakawa Bay. Fire Service is door knocking to ensure residents are ok.

• Beachlands – significant flooding around Beachlands with slips making some roads impassable. Some properties have been affected by flooding. People are attempting to drive through floodwaters and are getting stuck (two vehicles have been rescued so far).

• Maraetai – one house significantly affected by flooding.

• Hunua – Fire Service is also responding to a group of people, including children, isolated at Camp Adair in the Hunua Ranges – more information is expected on this shortly.

• Waiheke Island – monitoring calls that have been coming in from residents.

Auckland Transport has sent out contractors to assess the overall roading situation and will continue to respond to slips as required.

Auckland Council’s Stormwater Teams has been inundated with calls and are responding to incidents as quickly as they can. Flooding and stormwater issues; and tree damage on public land, can be reported to the Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.

People that require emergency assistance should phone 111.

Heavy rain is expected to ease over the morning. Flood waters should slowly recede throughout the day. Further rain is expected later in the week but at much lower intensities.

ENDS

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