TIMARU DISTRICT COUNCIL
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE
MEDIA RELEASE

21/02/2018 0915

For Immediate Use

Cyclone Gita Update #5

Timaru District Council Emergency Operations Centre will remain open today to coordinate the response following Cyclone Gita.

There will continue to be significant surface water on the road network and we’re advising people to not travel unless necessary. Those who do drive will have to do so with extreme caution.

Council teams are inspecting the road network, so not all routes will be signposted yet.

Local road closures are being listed on timaru.govt.nz/roadstatusmap and highways information is on journeys.nzta.govt.nz

The main road closures include:

- Washdyke Flat Road

- Station Road

- Kellands Hill Road

- Naughton Road

- SH79 at Speechleys Bridge, diversion via Earl Road

- Pleasant Valley Road at junction with School Road SH79

- Rangitata Gorge Road is 4WD only from Boundary Creek

Please check your route before leaving.

Timaru EOC Controller, Tracy Tierney said the crews would be working through the day to ensure infrastructure was made safe and get a full picture of the damage.

“Although we’re currently still getting a lot of rain from the tail end of Cyclone Gita, the situation is forecast to improve throughout the day. It will take a while longer for our stormwater system to clear the water from everywhere so it’s important for people not to take any risks on the road, and if you don’t need to travel, stay at home.

“We’ll be updating our website with road information through the day, and our teams will be beginning the clean up shortly.”

Rain will continue through this morning, but should begin to tail off. All rivers continue to be monitored closely. Most of the district rivers are now peaked and levels are dropping.

Water intakes continue to be closed to the Te Moana and Pareora rivers to prevent dirty water, stirred up by the high river flows, entering the system. No urban water supplies are affected, and all rural properties affected should have approximately two days’ supply in their water tanks.

Timaru EOC will remain open today. Council customer services is available 24/7 on 687 7200 if you have any issues you wish to report.

ends

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