15 October 2013

RAIN EVENT October 2013 #1: Horizons staff on stand by as river levels rise

The Whanganui and Whangaehu Rivers are expected to peak later today after heavy rain has battered much of the central North Island over the last twenty four hours.

Horizons Regional Council activated their emergency operations centre (EOC) earlier today as have Wanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu district councils.

The Whanganui River is forecast to peak at the Pipiriki monitoring site at 6.30pm this evening, reaching a level of at least 15 metres, with the lower river expected to peak at 9 metres around 11.00pm tonight. Evacuations are possible and potentially affected residents are being contacted by Wanganui district Council.

“We are working with Wanganui services to monitor the situation and our barrier team are on standby in preparation to deploy the temporary flood barrier at Balgownie,” said Horizons incident controller Ged Shirley.

Horizons staff are also monitoring levels for the Whangaehu River which is expected to peak at 10 metres around 9.00pm this evening. Evacuations are possible and potentially affected residents are being contacted by Rangitikei district Council.

“State Highway three at Whangaehu is currently open; however we are assessing this regularly as the river level rises and liaising with NZTA”

“There is potential for the road to be closed this evening.”

In other areas of the region the Makino Stream and Rangitikei River are also being closely monitored with no cause for concern at this stage.

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is also available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via website www.horizons.govt.nz

For updated information on the situation members of the public are advised to listen to their local radio station or check their district council website.

Wanganui District Council
www.wanganui.govt.nz
Phone: 06 349 0001

Rangitikei District Council
www.rangdc.govt.nz
Phone: 06 327 0099

Ruapehu district council
www.ruapehudc.govt.nz
Phone: 07 895 8188

Members of the public are advised to take care while driving and check the AA’s website, http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch for information on road closures.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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