Cyclone Gita - Nelson-Tasman Update 003

2345 hrs 20 February

The state of emergency remains in place.
If people feel their immediate safety is at risk, then please call 111.

Damage and welfare assessment will start tomorrow morning.
Civil Defence will be monitoring the situation overnight.

Weather
Rain has eased. However, wind is predicted to rise with gusts out of the north-west up to 120kmh, easing by 2.00 am.

Storm surge peaked at 6.00 pm and is now receding. There is still some risk of erosion and inundation, even though the surge and the tide level is lower than that experienced in the previous cyclone.
Areas from Monaco to the Glen on Tasman Bay's eastern side will be monitored closely during the high tide period.
Welfare centres
• Eighty people are being escorted home from the Takaka Welfare Centre.
• Fifty-three people are at Motueka Welfare Centre, remains open.
• Marahau and Collingwood welfare centres remain open.
• Nelson’s welfare centre at the Salvation Army Hall remains open.
Lifelines
Power is out to Upper Takaka, Kaiteriteri, Riwaka and Marahau.
Wastewater services are functioning without issue.
Kaiteriteri residents are asked to conserve water until further notice. There is no power for the pumps.
Roads
SH6 Rocks Road is closing at 11.30 pm until high tide has passed (approximately 3.00 am).
SH60 on the Riwaka side of the Takaka Hill is severely damaged in several places. It remains closed and will require inspection and assessment in daylight. This is planned to take place tomorrow.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence and Emergency Management will be assessing alternative means of transporting people and goods until the road is able to be reopened.

For ongoing weather alert updates please go to www.metservice.com or www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz.

Ends.

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