MEDIA RELEASE
Date/Time: 12 June 2018 @ 1pm Release No: 3
Gisborne Civil Defence Overnight Update

Tairawhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management and Gisborne District Council’s flood warning team are continuing to monitor the river levels and rainfall in the district. Although rainfall has eased, conditions are still of concern.

Civil Defence and Emergency Manager Louise Bennett advises everyone to be cautious. “River levels are stabilising and rain is easing. However, there’s heavier rain forecast for tonight which could raise the alert level again.”

“If you live around the Waituhi area and want to play it safe, spend the night with friends and family in town”

There have also been reports of people moving stock and working in the flood water. “Please stay indoors, flood waters can move deceptively fast and can contain debris. It’s not worth the risk.”said Mrs Bennet.

Road crews are still working around the clock and will have support from crews in Hawkes Bay later today.

Tairawhiti Roads Journey Manager Helen Harris reinforces using caution on the roads, “Please drive to the conditions and check the NZ Transport Agency website and Council website for Road closures. If you don’t need to travel please don’t.”

There are also a number of road closures, the most significant being state highway two north of Te Karaka. There are no alternative deviation routes. Remember to check the NZTA and GDC websites for road closures.

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/ http://www.gdc.govt.nz/road-information/

Residents at Te Karaka are requested to refrain from flushing their toilets as much as possible due to the issues with surface flooding impacting on the sewerage system.

“It pays at times like this to also check on your neighbours to see if they are safe” said Mrs Bennett In the meantime we will continue to inform you of developments through our facebook page and our website.

We would also appreciate your help. If you see any road issues that we need to be aware of please contact GDC Customer Services on (06) 867 2049.

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