Protection holds over night

Horizons Regional Council’s operations staff are pleased to report stopbanks damaged in the June storm event have held up over night under pressured conditions.

Horizons group manager operations Allan Cook says staff made numerous site visits to weakened spots overnight.

“Operations staff closely monitored stopbanks on the Rangitikei River at Parewanui and Main Drain at Rangiotu and we are pleased to report there have been no further stopbank damage. River levels are now starting to drop and this will relieve the pressure on our flood systems.

“We believe there may have been some misunderstanding around the closure of State Highway 56 but would like to assure the community that the Manawatu River has not burst its banks at Opiki. This section of the road is within the Manawatu flood channel and is regularly closed during heavy rainfall events like we’ve experienced this week.”

Mr Cook says the Manawatu River is continuing to drop and expects State Highway 56 to reopen early this evening.

“We suggest people keep an eye on NZTA’s website for up to date road closure information. The Moutoa floodgates will also be closed this morning as the Manawatu River recedes.

“Our staff will continue to monitor river levels today and over the weekend but as there is no significant rainfall forecast for the next 24 hours so we are not anticipating any issues.”

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via our website www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

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