Action being taken as river levels rise

Widespread rain across the Region is impacting river levels and Horizons Regional Council is working in partnership with district councils, police and other agencies to minimise the impact of flooding.

Floodgates have been lowered at Reids Line in the Manawatu District to divert the Makino Stream and observers have been deployed to critical points. While still high, water levels appear to be in decline in Makino.

Other rivers currently being monitored include: the Mangaone Stream west of Palmerston North, the Oroua River near Awahuri, the Manawatu River, the Rangitikei River at Mangaweka, the Whangaehu River and the Whanganui River.

Horizons incident controller Craig Grant says there are a number of road closures currently in place, with other local roads likely to be affected.

“If you don’t need to go out on the road, we recommend you stay at home,” Mr Grant says.

Current roading information is as follows:

• SH1 Bulls to Hunterville is closed until further notice, with a detour in place via Wellington Road.

• SH1 is closed at the Waikawa Stream Bridge.

• SH1 there is a 30kph speed restriction in place along Kimberley Road to Hokio Beach Road.

• SH2 there are strong winds between Mount Bruce and Takapau.

• SH2 at Konini between Pahiatua and Masterton is closed.

• SH3 Wanganui to Bulls is closed.

• SH3 the Manawatu Gorge is closed and the Saddle Road is down to one lane.

• SH4 between Raetihi and Wanganui is closed.

• The Pahiatua Track is closed.

The latest information on State Highways is available from www.nzta.govt.nz

With the Manawatu River rising, landowners along the Moutoa spillway have been alerted and a gate opening crew will be on standby at the gates from around 2.30pm.

Evacuations have occurred in some parts of Feilding and Wanganui. It is understood that these evacuees are safe and dry with further information regarding this situation available from district councils.

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

ENDS

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