Severe Weather Update

Rainfall Event
Thursday 24 March 2016.

Significant rainfall overnight has caused flooding to parts of the Tasman District.

Flooding has occurred in the Riwaka township area, with a small number of homes being evacuated due to the Riwaka River flooding. Police and the fire service are assisting affected residents. Residents are being directed initially to the carpark of the Riwaka Hotel.

A Civil Defence Centre is on standby in Motueka to be opened if required. The Civil Defence response team is onsite at Riwaka to assist emergency services.

A helicopter has been arranged by Tasman District Council for first light to survey the effects of the rain.
SH60 has been closed at Riwaka, and also between Upper Takaka and Collingwood due to the flooding.

The weather forecast is for rain easing and the situation is expected to improve this morning.

Flooding on the North Branch of the Riwaka River has been a 50 year event. Flooding on the South Branch of the Riwaka River has been a 20 year event. Rivers appear to have peaked but will take some time to flow through.

The regional Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre is monitoring the situation and coordinating with emergency services.

Calls to Councils may increase with daylight hours, once people are able to see damage or impacts. Please be patient if there are delays getting through. If there is an emergency situation then please call 111..

ENDS.

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