Recovery for Whakatāne District progressing well

Recovery efforts will continue tomorrow to support residents of Edgecumbe as they go back into the area to recover belongings and tidy up homes.

Controller for Whakatāne Emergency Operations Ken Tarboton said good progress had been made on a number of fronts during the day.

“Horizon Networks have been working tirelessly to get power back on and we are now down to 350 properties without power. Water and sewage services are coming back on in many areas and the clean-up efforts in Edgecumbe are going well.

“Our efforts are now focusing on the people with damaged homes in Edgecumbe and those affected by power and service outages elsewhere. We will continue to provide them with the support and volunteer assistance as needed.”

WATER
· All areas are still being asked to conserve water to relieve pressure on the system.
· There is a boil water notice in place throughout Whakatāne district except Whakatāne Township, Ōhope, Murupara and Matata.
· An assessment of water in areas with boil water notices will be undertaken early next week.
· Residents with their own bore water supply should assess their supply for possible contamination, particularly sewerage.
· Tankers with potable water are available in Waimana, Te Mahoe, Ruatoki and Ruatāhuna and Edgecumbe.

ROADS
· SH2 between Awakeri and Tāneatua and Awakeri and Ōpōtiki remain closed.
· Ruatāhuna is accessible through Te Whāiti via designated Timberlands Forest Road

POWER
Horizon Networks have advised there are approximately 350 households in the following areas without power:
· Whakatane District
o Fermah Road
o Taneatua end of Stanley Road
o Te Mahoe to Waiohau
o Moodys Lane
o Raroa Road (south of 259)

· Opotiki District
o Ruatuna Road

Horizon Networks are advising that due to the widespread damage caused, customers should plan to be without power for up to two days. Contact 0800 HORIZON or visit their Facebook page for more information.

WASTE
The Murupara Transfer Station will be open in the morning but will be closed for the afternoon.

WELFARE
Medical Officer of Health for Bay of Plenty has advised that the recent flooding in the district may lead to a temporary increase in the number of mosquitoes and flies. Residents are advised to use insect repellent to help avoid being bitten and to tip water from containers around their properties.

EDGECUMBE
· Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Federated Farmers and contractors continue working hard to manage emergency pumping in the Edgecumbe area.
· Almost 40 portable pumps, along with the area’s 40 permanent pumps, are now in action pumping flood water from the Rangitāiki Plains; particularly western areas of Edgecumbe.
· Portable pumps are being monitored round-the-clock by contractors and BOPRC staff.
· Emergency pumping in the Kaituna and Te Puke area is ongoing to manage flooding issues.
· Police will continue patrols over the next few days and security will remain in place.

VOLUNTEERS
· An estimated 80 properties have been cleaned today with the help of residents and volunteers.
· Over 150 volunteers will be heading back into Edgecumbe tomorrow to continue the clean-up in Zone 3 (south west) and begin clean-up in Zone 4 (north west).
· 680 people have volunteered in all.

ENDS

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