MEDIA RELEASE DATE: 6 August 2015

Flooding Damage Being Assessed

Council staff and contractors have been on the ground in Opunake and surrounding coastal areas today, assessing flood damage caused by intense overnight rainfall.

Group Manager of South Taranaki District Council (STDC) engineering services, Brent Manning says a number of properties in the township have received flood damage.

“Opunake’s three schools, and the public library, were closed today, and a number of residents self-evacuated. A Civil Defence Centre has been opened at Sanford Event Centre for those needing assistance. So far there is one couple for whom the welfare team has been asked to find accommodation. Though there might be more before the day is out,” he says.

All roads in the area, apart from one (Dieffenbach Street, Opunake) have been re- opened.

Mr Manning says Council water supplies are secure and safe, however people should treat surface water, or anything that came into contact with floodwater, as potentially contaminated.

“We are advising anyone on private water supplies (bore water) to boil their water first. Residents should also wash their hands after touching any surfaces or objects contaminated with floodwater and before they eat or drink anything,” says Mr Manning

Mr Manning also advises people stay away from stream banks, cliff tops and culverts in case of slips

Teams of STDC staff continue to door knock the affected areas of the township this afternoon to identify how many properties have been affected.

Residents are encouraged to check on elderly friends and neighbours.

If you need welfare assistance please call into the Sandford Event Centre, or phone 0800 900 049 to contact Taranaki Civil Defence.

For other flood related issues call STDC on 0800 111 323.

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