River levels stabilise

River levels stabilise

Rivers levels are stabilising and dropping across much of the Region after heavy rainfall affected the southern part of the Region yesterday.

Horizons Regional Council along with Horowhenua, Manawatu, Rangitikei and Tararua yesterday activated their Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) to monitor and respond to flooding. Horizons EOC remained operational throughout the night to monitor the region's river levels.

River levels in the Wanganui and Rangitikei district are still rising and more rain is forecast for the northern part of the district. Horizons incident controller Shane Bayley said river heights are not yet a concern but staff will continue to monitor the situation.

Widespread surface and moderate river flooding has occurred leading Horizons to operate the Moutoa and Makino Floodgates to divert floodwater.

The Moutoa gates were opened at 10:30pm Monday night allowing excess flows down the Moutoa Floodway. The gates are likely to remain in operation for at least 24 hours.

The Makino flood gates in Feilding were also operated for the first time since their completion and the flow of water successfully diverted down the Reid Line floodway.

Some problems were experienced on the Oroua River at Kopane overnight as water breached at the Kopane Bridge and banks. Emergency sandbagging averted the need to undertake evacuations in this area. Horizons staff were on site monitoring and responding to minimise the impacts which they believe were caused by a build-up of river-bed material in the area of the bridge.

Staff also monitored the site where stopbank works are in progress on the Linton Main Drain. Works are incomplete in this area and water was spilling over the partially completed bank for most of the day. A good community and Horizons response to this site assisted in the bank remaining intact and the vast majority of flood waters flowed through to the Manawatu River as designed.

Emergency response teams will be briefed at 07:30 this morning and will continue to monitor the situation.

Ends