Cyclone Gita - Update 004, Nelson Tasman

1030 hrs 21 February
Weather conditions have now eased and there are no weather warnings still in effect for the region but the state of emergency remains in place for now.

Roads
SH60 on the Riwaka side of the Takaka Hill is severely damaged in several places. It remains closed and damage assessment is currently underway. The current predicted timeframe for reopening the road to single lane traffic is to be confirmed but is expected to be several days. The New Zealand Transport Agency are working hard on this at the moment and further updates will be provided today.

Residents in Golden Bay are advised not to panic buy. Supplies of food will be transported by sea and will arrive tomorrow.
Please buy only the fuel you need for the coming week to ensure there is enough for everyone.

Local commercial air operators are still running services for those who want to fly to into or out of Takaka.

SH6 Rocks Road (Nelson) reopened at 4am this morning and no further closures are expected at this stage.

Lifelines
Power is has been restored to all areas.

Wastewater overflows have been experienced in a number of areas.
Due to the loss of power in Kaiteriteri, sewage overflow will have affected the main beach, Stephens Day and Tapu Bay. Swimming is not advised in these areas. Water sampling and testing will begin tomorrow.

Sewage overflows were also experienced in Motueka so residents should treat any pooled water on their property as potentially contaminated. Those who take water from private bores where flooding has occurred are advised to boil water to reduce the risk of potential contamination. Please note: Boiling water in the kettle is sufficient.

The water supply at Dovedale is currently not operational. Residents are advised to rely on stored supplies for now.

Rubbish collections are suspended in Golden Bay for this week as rubbish is usually removed by road and there is limited storage capacity.

For ongoing updates please go to www.nelsontasmancivildefence.co.nz.

Ends.

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