Clean-up continues in wet weather

With rain overnight and today, Auckland Emergency Management Director John Dragicevich says the clean-up continues across the region.

“There’s been more rain overnight and reports of more trees down. Metservice has issued a severe thunderstorm warning and is predicting the rain will continue and will be heavy at times in Auckland. This makes our job harder but we are all working together to continue the clean-up effort.

“This morning we mobilised 38 council staff who are working alongside 60 Police and Land Search and Rescue; going door-to-door visiting isolated areas of Auckland and our welfare line has taken 44 calls since midnight.

“We are still delivering Portaloos and water to the most affected who’ve contacted us. It takes time to make these deliveries in this weather and the effect it has on road conditions, but we’re getting through it.

“We will keep a close eye on the weather throughout the day and recommend people take care when securing their properties or making trips out from home,” says Dragicevich.

Door to door
The 38 council volunteers and around 60 Police and Land Search and Rescue are checking on the welfare of around 9000 properties still without power.
They have set off from seven community hubs established in the area. The hubs also offer a place to go for those who cannot access help via phone, giving information on how to access ongoing support.
Locations and manning hours: The hubs will be manned until 4pm today, any plans for Sundaywill be updated later.
Community hub Address
Waimauku War Memorial Hall 24 Waimauku Station Rd, Waimauku
Kumeu Library
296 Main Rd, Huapai, Kumeu

Glenfield Pool and Leisure Centre 73/77 Bentley Ave, Glenfield(Glenfield Mall)

Massey Leisure Centre 545 Don Buck Road, Massey

Waitakere Domain Hall 13 Bethells Road, Waitakere

Waiatarua Fire Station 464 Scenic Dr, Waiatarua

Fickling Convention Centre 546 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings

Weather
Metservice has issued a severe thunderstorm weather watch for the Auckland region for today with periods of heavy rain and and possible localised downpours.

Keep an eye on the weather during the weekend, secure loose outdoor items and clear your gutters.

Check the Metservice website for the latest weather updates.

Water and Portaloos
Anyone without access to a toilet or drinking water because of the storm, that can’t get any by other means, can phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

We are delivering a further 100 Portaloos to affected households today.

Power
Vector updated that pockets of Auckland are still without power and progress is being made to restore it. Further updates are expected later today. Around 9,000 properties remain without power.

For up to date information visit the Vector and Counties Power websites.

All downed power lines should be treated as live. Stay well away and don’t attempt to cut or move trees that are in contact with lines.

Waste food
If you have spoiled food as a result of your power outage you can take it to Waitakere Transfer Station in Henderson and dispose of it for free. If you cannot access the transfer station and have more than 3 rubbish sacks of spoiled food call 0800 222200 to arrange for a special collection.

Waitakere Transfer Station address: 50 The Concourse, Henderson, Auckland 0610
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am-6pm; Sat, Sun: 8am-4pm
Welfare and local help
Auckland Council libraries are opening as normal today and people without power can go and get warm, use wifi and charge their phones.

All Auckland Council leisure centres and YMCAs are offering a hot shower for free, and somewhere to get warm and have a hot cup of tea or coffee.

If you need help with urgent or unexpected costs as a result of the Auckland storms, the Ministry of Social Development may be able to help, call 0800 559009.

Medical health and advice
Contact your GP if you are concerned about health issues and contact your health provider if you need support like home support services including for support you currently receive.

Trees
Last night we received 20 new reports of downed trees. Auckland Council contractors are working around the clock to make roads safe and manage emergency tree works across the region. Contractors are prioritising jobs that pose immediate safety issues.

Trees will be put on berms and mulched at a later date, so contractors can move on to higher priority jobs. This may take weeks to clear.

Report trees down on public land to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.

Animal welfare
If your property is experiencing issues with septic/waste overflow, try to prevent animals coming into contact with this material. Animals are just as susceptible to becoming unwell as people if they ingest this material. It can cause gastro-like illness. If you are boiling water for safe drinking, do the same for your animals.

ENDS

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