Hundreds of Flood Affected Households

Dunedin (Friday, 12 June 2015) – Last week’s floods affected about 1250 properties across the city, according to data collected by the Dunedin City Council.

DCC staff and volunteers have visited thousands of properties over the past week in areas which experienced flooding. About 6000 homes were visited in total. Most of these were in South Dunedin, but volunteers also door knocked on dozens of properties in parts of Mosgiel, Brighton and Kaikorai Valley.

Recovery Manager Simon Pickford says staff are using the information gathered to assess how many people require further assistance and to help them access the support they need.

“Our priority has been making sure people who are in badly damaged homes or who need urgent medical or other assistance get help as soon as possible.”

Preliminary data gathered by the DCC showed that, as of today, there were about 280 cases which had the greatest need, such as significant health risks and accommodation issues. In addition, there were another 973 properties which had been flood damaged to varying degrees. This ranged from garage and garden flooding through to significant damage.

Mr Pickford says if there are other people who have been affected by the flooding and need help, they should phone the DCC on 03 477 4000 for advice and assistance.

People were also welcome to call into the Recovery Assistance Centre, in the Church of Christ Hall at 3 Prince Albert Road. The centre will continue to be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and until 7.30pm on Thursday.

Rubbish skips will be located in southern Dunedin suburbs at the weekend so people could dispose of large, flood-damaged items such as carpets and furniture.

The Dunedin Flood Appeal was launched this week and money raised through the appeal will be used to fund applications made to the Mayoral Relief Fund.

The fund is for the entire affected community and the criteria have been extended so more people can receive help. The DCC has received 45 applications so far.

Relief fund application forms, and other flood recovery information, can be found on www.dunedin.govt.nz/floodrecovery.

Donations to the flood appeal are being accepted at all Dunedin Westpac branches. Donations can be made directly to 03 0905 0184000 18.

A street appeal will be held on Friday, 19 June.

ENDS

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