TIMARU DISTRICT COUNCIL
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE
MEDIA RELEASE

20/02/2018 1800

For Immediate Use

Cyclone Gita Update #3

Timaru District Council Emergency Operations Centre is continuing to monitor the situation arising Cyclone Gita.

The worst effects of the cyclone are likely to be felt from now and overnight with significant rainfall and high winds forecast.

Environment Canterbury has reported that the rivers are flowing well, with both Saltwater Creek and Washdyke Lagoon having been opened. The Rangitata will be opened tomorrow morning.

There will however, continue to be overland water flow and surface flooding and people alongside rivers should monitor the situation closely.

Timaru EOC Controller, Tracy Tierney, said that people in areas vulnerable to flooding need to take this time ensure they are ready to evacuate themselves if the situation gets worse.

“Those in areas that are very low lying or that have flooded in the past should be monitoring the situation closely. The situation can be unpredictable, if you feel that you are at risk, our recommendation is to evacuate yourself to friends or family.

“If you don’t need to travel tonight, our advice is to stay at home, the combination of high winds and heavy rain forecast will make for extremely difficult driving conditions.”

The Taitarakihi stream in Timaru is being monitored closely. The culverts under State Highway 1 and the railway line have been completely cleared and are currently functioning.

Woodside Road outside Geraldine has been closed due to a collapsed culvert, other roads remain open.

The council has activated its emergency road map, which will update with any local road closures as they happen, it’s available at www.timaru.govt.nz/roadstatusmap, highways information can be obtained from journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Fords are closed on the following Roads: Gaulter Road, Casey Road, Goodwin Road and Blandswood Road.

Water intakes have been closed to the Te Moana and Pareora rivers to prevent dirty water, stirred up by the high river flows, entering the system. No urban water supplies are affected, and all rural properties affected should have approximately two days’ supply in their water tanks.

Timaru EOC will remain open through the night. Council customer services is available 24/7 on 687 7200 if you have any issues you wish to report.

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