Self-Evacuation Advisory Update for Bay of Plenty Coastal Areas

13 April 2017, 3:15pm

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is strongly advising all residents in low lying coastal areas to consider self-evacuating this afternoon in advance of tonight’s high-tide if they feel unsafe.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Group Controller, Clinton Naude says, “We encourage residents living on low lying coastal margins to be aware that significant swells and sea surges are expected within the next 12 hours.

“These residents need to be watching for natural warning signs and if worried or in doubt – don’t wait for official warnings, move to families and friends or another safe location on higher ground.”

“Our advice is that it is best to do this now during daylight, and before conditions deteriorate further.”

Whakatāne, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and Opotiki Councils have advised those who do self-evacuate should register with them by calling.

• Whakatāne District Council 07 306 0500
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• Western Bay of Plenty District Council (07) 571 8008 or 0800 WBOPDC
Tauranga City Council 07 577 7000
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• Opotiki District Council 07 315 3030
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Due to the extreme risk of storm surges and coastal inundation, the decision has been made to evacuate all properties on West End Road, Ohope, and all properties on the seaward side of Pohutukawa Avenue, through to Te Akau Street in Ohope.

People are advised to go to family and friends in the first instance or go to the Whakatane War Memorial Hall.

Anyone living in these areas who has neighbours who may be need help to evacuate is asked to offer assistance wherever possible.

Regular updates will be provided on Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. As the situation evolves, more information will be available. A list of relevant radio frequencies and websites are listed at the end of this release. Please continue to monitor for updates.

For text message alerts from Civil Defence, send a text to 2028 and enter area code (TA for Tauranga, WB for Western Bay, KA for Kawerau, WH for Whakatane, RO for Rotorua, OP for Opotiki).

ENDS

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