Dunedin clean up to start in morning

Update #5 8.30pm

Dunedin (Tuesday, 20 November 2018) – Rain has eased in Dunedin and clean-up work starts tomorrow. Surface flooding is still widespread, but is starting to recede and the forecast overnight is for a low level of rain.

The Emergency Operations Centre will close shortly. Staff and contractors will keep an eye on things overnight in case the situation changes and are ready to respond as needed.

Any urgent issues can be reported via 03 477 4000, which will be staffed throughout the night. Non-urgent issues can be reported on the DCC website. Most non-urgent work will be assessed tomorrow.

People are urged to stay off the roads overnight where possible as surface flooding still affects much of Dunedin and the Taieri Plain.

Not all surface flooding is signposted, so anyone on the roads should drive slowly and treat all roads as though they could be flooded. People should stay out of floodwaters and treat them as contaminated.

A number of local roads remain closed and State Highway 88 and Aramoana Road are open to one lane. There are a number of slips around the city. Motorists should follow any road signs and contractor directions. Road closures and conditions are listed at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions.

Extensive flooding and wastewater surcharges have affected Middlemarch and residents are being advised not to drink water from private bores as it is likely to be contaminated. Water will be available from a tanker beside the Strath-Taieri Community Centre from around 10pm. People should bring clean containers to fill.

Wastewater surcharges affected some roads and properties this afternoon. Heavy rain infiltrating the wastewater system forced up manhole covers in areas including Surrey Street, South Dunedin, North Road in North East Valley, Kaikorai Valley Road and Carlyle Road in Mosgiel. All available bypasses were opened to alleviate pressure on the system and the surcharges have now stopped.

There has been a wastewater overflow to the Silverstream in Mosgiel and minor overflows to other waterways, including Otago Harbour. It is recommended people stay out of waterways and do not collect shellfish for 48 hours.

Anyone who needs assistance with emergency accommodation can contact the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Rubbish and recycling collection will go ahead as usual on Wednesday. Areas missed on Tuesday will be collected if the roads are open.

Sandbags
Sandbag sites will remain open overnight at Mosgiel and South Dunedin for people who want to fill their own bags.

Mosgiel

• Memorial Park car park, Gordon Road
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• Hotel Taieri car park, corner of Burns and King Street
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South Dunedin

• Ice Stadium car park, Victoria Road
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For information and advice, please see www.dunedin.govt.nz/adverse-weather.

ENDS

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