Rivers containing floodwaters

Rivers across the Region are containing floodwaters within their manageable levels but surface water continues to be an issue in many areas.

Horizons Regional Council incident controller Craig Grant says Wanganui and Hunterville remain hotspots but Feilding South is becoming more manageable as the Oroua River declines.

“We’re keeping a close eye on river levels at Wanganui and have activated flood barrier crews. The Whanganui River is forecast to peak at 15.5 metres at the Pipiriki monitoring site and this is likely to have an impact for Wanganui around 1am tomorrowmorning as it coincides with the high tide.

“Steps have been put in place to reduce the flood risk and the New Zealand Army is on site to assist with sand bagging and evacuations as required.
“Hunterville is still experiencing widespread flooding and a decision on whether any further evacuations are necessary will be made before dark.
Evacuees in all centres are being well looked after by their local communities and support agencies.”

Mr Grant says the weather system is expected to continue until early evening with high rainfall predicted for the upper Wanganui area and Tararua Ranges.

“Surface flooding continues to be an issue for most areas and this will be the biggest challenge for the next 24 hours. While roading infrastructure is holding up, there are a lot of road closures in place so we ask that people avoid travelling if possible.”

A number of spillways are operating throughout the Region and the Moutoa floodgates have been opened.

For information regarding road closures please see the NZTA website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/highway-info/road/7873/north-island.html or AA Road Watch http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch
Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is also available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via website www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS