Dunedin July Severe Weather update #4 - State of emergency declared for Dunedin
Dunedin July Severe Weather update #4
7.45pm, Friday 21 July 2017
Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull has declared a state of emergency for Dunedin City in response to issues arising from heavy
rain in the city today.
The state of emergency has been declared because the emergency situation is beyond the resources of the emergency
services alone, or otherwise requires significant co-ordination. It means extra powers are available to assist in the
emergency response.
Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sandy Graham says Civil Defence is making plans to evacuate people from some area in
Mosgiel.
“Residents in low-lying areas who feel concerned should make plans to evacuate or self-evacuate themselves to stay with
friends or family who live on higher ground should it be required. Check on neighbours, particularly if they are
vulnerable,” Ms Graham says.
Due to heavy rain infiltrating into the wastewater system, manhole covers have been forced up in Surrey Street, South
Dunedin, and on North Road in North East Valley. The system backs up at certain bottleneck points and overflows onto the
road. The overflows are contained on roads, but people should stay out of floodwaters in these areas and treat them as
contaminated. The Dunedin City Council has opened all available bypasses to alleviate pressure on the system.
Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sandy Graham says DCC staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence
personnel are responding as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority.
A number of road closures are now in place, including State Highway 1 at Waikouaiti and State Highway 87 Outram to
Kyeburn.A full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/
Ms Graham says that motorists should not go rubbernecking, or put themselves or others at risk.
Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it. Anyone who
feels their safety is in danger or who has water entering their house or business should call emergency services on 111.
Information Centres
Dunedin City Council has opened information centres in South Dunedin and Mosgiel as places where people can go for more
information and which can also potentially be used as welfare centres if the need develops. The centres are currently
staffed and are located at:
• Mosgiel – Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street
• South Dunedin – The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road
Sandbags
Sandbags and sand are available from the Memorial Park car park beside the stadium/Mosgiel Memorial Gymnasium, and in
South Dunedin at the carpark behind St Clair Tennis Club, Victoria Road. Where possible, people should bring a shovel to
fill the bags, although contractors are available on-site at both locations to assist with filling and loading.
Around 7000 sandbags have been collected so far.
Sportsgrounds & Freedom Camping
DCC sportgrounds will remain closed today and Saturday. The Dunedin premier club rugby semi-finals at Hancock Park will
go ahead as scheduled, provided it is safe to do so.
Due to the weather the DCC recommends all freedom campers find alternative accommodation rather than staying at either
of the DCC’s two freedom camping sites tonight.
General preparedness
• If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays
and other chemicals won’t be affected
• Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up
and affecting your property.
For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do if the rain gets worse, please
see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.
Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.
Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.
ENDS