Busy night for emergency services in Waikato

As extreme weather conditions close several roads, damage houses and leave marine vessels in distress, Waikato Police are advising against all but essential travel, particularly in the east of the District.

Hamilton City Shift Manager, Sergeant Dave Raffan, said emergency services and roading contractors have had a busy night with slips, flooding and other incidents across the Coromandel.

"In the latest incident a truck and trailer unit rolled by the railway crossing on SH27 at Tatuanui about 5.30am while emergency services are currently working on a solution to rescue a foundering commercial fishing vessel in difficulty 200m off shore from Amodeo Bay in the Coromandel.

"There are three persons on board the vessel which has ropes wrapped around its prop which is preventing it from making its own way and at this point the vessel's anchor is holding it in place in about 3m of water."

In other incidents emergency services went to the aid of a person trapped under a house which was demolished on Wharekaho Rd at Wharekaho near Whitianga while Police closed Blacksmith Lane in Whitianga due to the dangers posed by flying roof iron as fire-fighters worked to secure the roofs.

"There are various roads and intersections closed on SH25 in the Coromandel at this time while we have trees and power lines down in this area, Morrinsville, Hamilton and Waingaro all impacting on the ability to keep roads open. Advice from Police at this time is to avoid travelling unless you absolutely have to.

"In Hamilton there is surface water in a number of low lying places around the City and we are advising extreme caution at this time as people contemplate heading into work."

Ends.

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