Rivers Reach Warning Levels After Heavy Rain

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has issued first warning levels to landowners on the Otara River at Ōpōtiki, the Waimana River and the Waioeka River, all of which are in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rivers and Drainage Group Manager Ken Tarboton said rain had been falling steadily for the past 24 hours and although the rain had cleared for now, the MetService was still forecasting heavy rain until tomorrow morning.

“We’re urging farmers to move any stock grazing near rivers to higher ground and asking people to be vigilant and cautious, particularly around low-lying areas and waterways,” Mr Tarboton said.

“Our staff are monitoring river levels around the region and our operations team is organised to deal with flooding issues.”

Further heavy rain is forecast for the region but is expected to ease tomorrow.

For updated information, visit Environment Bay of Plenty’s website at www.envbop.govt.nz and click on the live monitoring link to see updates of river and rainfall levels around the region.

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