Schools closed as region braces for Pam

All schools in the Gisborne region are believed to be closed this morning as the region braces itself for ex-tropical cyclone Pam.

Gisborne Civil Defence Emergency Management controller Peter Higgs said the rain falling throughout the district is just a warm-up.

“We expect the wind and the sea to start rising mid to late morning, and the severity of the event to be greatly lessened by later tonight.

“We are still expecting winds of between 120 to 130 km an hour and 130 to 150 km an hour north of Tolaga Bay.”

Up to 200mm of rainfall is expected in the next 12 hours with higher falls in the ranges.

No road problems have been reported to date this morning but yesterday afternoon the Nuhiti Road, north of Anaura Bay was closed as a precautionary measure. Most of the two bays’ residents have moved out of their homes to stay with friends and families.

Linesmen are working to restore power in three rural areas.

Civil Defence and emergency services are closely monitoring trouble spots at Anaura Bay and Tokomaru Bay where coastal erosion, sea inundation and flooding are concerns; and Mangatuna north of Tolaga Bay, which often floods across State Highway 35.

“We are working together with our emergency services to protect public health and safety, public and private property.

“We urge people not to travel unless absolutely necessary and to stay off the beaches. Treat power lines as live at all times. And listen to advice from Gisborne Civil Defence.”

ends

© Scoop Media