A local
state of emergency has been declared for the Rangitikei
District as teams prepare to evacuate residents from the
isolated village of Koitiata.
Rural fire crews are
currently working to assess the situation and are working
with the Army to mobilise four unimogs from Linton that will
meet local crews in Bulls.
Incident controller Ross
McNeil says “Steps are currently being taken to widen
culverts and divert the flow around the village. However, it
is likely some residents will need to be evacuated.
“There are 140 houses in the village. Some are more
likely to be affected than others and we are working to
establish the degree of evacuation required.
“Plans are
in place to establish a welfare centre at Memorial Hall in
Marton and we are working with Red Cross to source bedding
and provisions for any evacuees.”
More information
regarding the situation at Koitiata will be made available
as it comes to hand. People are advised to keep an eye on www.facebook.com/manawatuwanganuicivildefence
for the latest updates.
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