Council managing worst rain-storm since 1975

Christchurch City Council is continuing to manage flood issues across the city during Christchurch's worst rain-storm since 1975.

The Council is expecting 50 to 100 houses across the city to be affected by flood-waters, with the majority of them located in the Mairehau/Richmond/St. Albans area. Throughout the night Council staff have been assisting residents with self-evacuations.

The rainfall has been a lot heavier than forecasted, with almost 100 millimetres falling in the past 24 hours and a further 20 millimetres expected to fall before the rain eases off. This is equivalent to a one-in-50-year event.

High tide today is expected at 10.15am (Kerrs Reach) and both the Heathcote and Avon Rivers will spill their banks in places. The roads around both rivers will be affected.

The Council is strongly advising drivers to be extra vigilant and mindful while driving today. Speeding causes large bough-waves which worsen the effects of surface flooding on properties.
The Council is advising residents, if you don't need to leave home today, don't.

Welfare Centre:
The Council's Welfare Centre at Mairehau High School, 440 Hills Road, has been open all night and as at 7am, three residents have made use of the service. The Welfare Centre at Mairehau High School will remain open until 10am today. A review will be undertaken to assess further needs of the community

Road closures covered by temporary traffic management:
* Ruru Road at the corner of Maces
* Wakefield Avenue at Evans Pass Road
* Marine Parade at Mountbatten Street
* Owles Terrace - Seaview-Union
* Carrick Street
* Thornton Street
* Archer Street
* Harrison Street
* New Brighton from Queensbury Street to Avondale Road
* Aylesford Street, Hills-Westminster
* Avonside Drive between Wainoni Road and Torlesse
* Speight Street
* Flockton Street, Warrington Street-Westminister Street
* Fifield Terrace
* Locksley Avenue, Gayhurst-Glenarm
* Banks Avenue, Coopers- North Parade
* Hills Road Warrington-Warden
* Fitzgerald Ave north bound Kilmore-Cambridge
* Richardson Terrace Ferry-Opawa
* Clarendon Terrace - Radley-Opawa
* Aynsley Terrace - Opawa-Centaurus
* Smith Street
* Riverlaw Terrace
* Eastern Terrace
* Waimea Terrace
* Aldwins Road, Ferry-Linwood
* Canterbury Street, at Days Road
* Slater Street, Shirley-Warden
* Warrington Street, Hills-Barbadoes
* Squire Street
* Harrison Street
* Edward Avenue, Geraldine-Barbadoes
* Edgeware Road, Hill-Barbadoes
* Dyers Pass Road, Summit- Governors Bay
* Summit Road, Hilltop-Pigeon Bay Road
* Pigeon Bay Road
* Ensors Road south bound Ferry to Brougham

Health and safety:
The Council's Land Drainage and Roading teams have traffic management plans in place and are assisting residents.

Flood-waters on roads and parks may be contaminated, so the Council advises residents to avoid the water where possible or make sure you wash your hands and remove and wash any clothing that gets wet.
Ends

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