Evacuation of stranded guests from Blue Duck Lodge goes well

The helicopter evacuation of guests stranded at the Blue Duck Lodge, in Whakahoro, in the Ruapehu District was successfully achieved today.

Ruapehu Emergency Management Officer Nick Watson said that 112 guest were evacuated and 10 people remain at the lodge.

“We had fine weather and the evacuation went according to plan with no problems encountered,” he said.

“We have no on-going welfare issues.

All the evacuated guests have moved on to other locations except for one couple who is staying in Taumarunui overnight.

Reestablishing road access into the Blue Duck Lodge is now a priority although this may take a while due to the extent of the damage.

In the interim Ruapehu Civil Defence will continue helping people at the Lodge and ensuring they have what they need.

Tomorrow we will be flying in more supplies as well as undertaking wider farm reconnaissance by helicopter around the district.”

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