Media Release
26/03/2018

New flood warning system launched

The community can now receive text notifications when specific rivers are predicted to reach alert levels.

The new text service covers the Waipaoa, Waimata/ Taruheru, Te Arai and Hikuwai Rivers.

The system was first set up by Civil Defence Emergency Management in 2015 to text and email city residents on the Waimata and Taruheru Rivers whose properties were flood prone. The new expanded service will run in parallel to this but is administered separately by Council’s flood warning team.

Anyone can sign up for the text notifications on the Gisborne District Council website by providing their contact details and selecting the river or rivers they would like to receive updates on.

The text alert will give details of the river concerned, its current level and predicted highest level, along with a time it will reach the highest level. The alert also directs people to the council website http://www.gdc.govt.nz/river-level-forecast/ for ongoing updates.

No further text updates or cancellation texts are sent out.

Land, Rivers and Coastal manager Neil Daykin says predicted flood levels can change significantly during an event and advises anyone who receives a text to keep up to date on the website.

The text service replaces a previous system where in the event of predicted high river levels Council would contact individuals and nominated flood wardens, who then had their own individual lists of people to notify.

Mr Daykin says the new system is much more efficient.

“The old service was difficult to maintain, people moved and phone numbers changed. The new system allows users to unsubscribe and update their contact details.”

To subscribe for text notifications, visit our website http://www.gdc.govt.nz/subscribe-to-flood-warning-alerts/

ENDS

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