CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY
Date: 18 July 2007
Pages: one
Time: 5pm
Update No: 7

Hastings District returns to normal

Hastings District is returning to normal after a weather bomb caused flooding across the area. The heavy rain hit early yesterday and continued through much of today.

State Highway 50 has reopened. Surface flooding on many roads remains but all rivers are contained.

Mike Maguire, Hastings Civil Defence controller, said the amount of resources made available to civil defence during the incident had been “tremendous”.

“We have received assistance from the Army, from the Fire service, from police, from Red Cross and the Salvation Army as well as from other councils in the area, and it has meant we have been able to handle this event efficiently and in a timely manner,” said Mr Maguire.

In the Maraekakaho area, Hastings District Council building and environmental health inspectors have visited seventeen houses affected by the severe weather. Six houses are without water and a number of others are having their water supply tested. There are some issues with septic tanks in Maraekakaho and Hastings Civil Defence has provided further portable toilets to the affected homes.

There is some surface flooding in Central Hawke’s Bay but no damage has been reported to homes in the area. Water pump systems at Waipawa have failed and been replaced by a temporary pump. Residents in the Waipawa and Otane areas have been asked to conserve water. The water supply will receive extra chlorination as a precautionary measure until further notice.

The following roads are still closed: Mangatahi Road, Matapiro Road between Ohiti and Crownthorpe Settlement Road, Tukituki Road, Te Aute Trust Road and Kahuranaki Road. Ohiti Road, where a culvert collapsed yesterday, is now open to one lane.

Farmers, who have been affected by recent drought conditions in Hawke’s Bay, are now feeling the effects of heavy rain. Farmers within Hastings District who require assistance are asked to contact Hastings District Council.

Department of Work and Income clients who have been affected and may need assistance can contact the department on 0800 779 997.

The heavy rain warning has been lifted in Hastings District although further rain is expected on and off through Thursday and Friday. The rain band is moving north and is expected to reach Gisborne some time this evening.

ENDS

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