MEDIA RELEASE
8 March 2017
1055hrs
Regional council sets up flood room following Coromandel rain
Heavy overnight rain on the Coromandel, with more due today and the next few days has prompted Waikato Regional Council
to set up a flood room to manage its response to the extreme weather.
The flood room, based in Hamilton, will support local staff on the Coromandel and the regional flood team as they
respond to the situation.
“Extensive flooding on the Coromandel is due to be exacerbated by further heavy rain over the next 24 hours and then
again between midday tomorrow and midnight Friday,” said regional hazards team leader Rick Liefting.
“Our flood room will closely monitor developments and be prepared to provide support to other agencies and local
communities as required.”
Council staff on the Coromandel are this morning gathering information about the impacts of the overnight flooding.
They’re calling contacts and landowners to assess any property damage, as well as checking the Thames coast flood scheme
assets.
People with any significant erosion or blockages to waterways or drains on their property are urged to call 0800 800
401. The council will respond as it can.
However, the flooding and road closures means staff mobility is restricted so it could be a while before they can
respond directly.