Mataura Reopens
Mataura was reopened to residents at 6.00pm tonight.
There is still some areas of surface flooding. The worst
affected areas are:
• Main Street between the Caltex
service station and Tullochs Transport,
• Oakland
Street between Tulloch Park and Burns Street
• Bangor
Street
• Bristol Street
• Carteret
Street
• Dover Street
• Carlyle
Street
• McConnell Street
There is also some localised ponding in Scott and Burns streets.
Some
houses have had power disconnected, a letter has been left
to advise the homeowner
There may be a number of
properties that are inundated or un-inhabitable. These are
properties without water, a flushing toilet, or excessive
dampness that could cause respiratory issues.
People who
need assistance or advice should go to the Mataura community
centre, in McQueen Avenue, where a community support centre
is being set up.
There will be staff from the Council and
Emergency Management Southland, and other agencies.
There
will be basic necessities available at the centre for those
who need them.
There is a boil water notice in place for
the town.
There will be a water tanker at the centre,
from 8.00pm.
There will also be port-a-loos at the
centre.
People are asked to drive carefully through any
surface flooding to minimise water going into
properties.
State Highway 1 is open through the town
– a 30kph restriction will be in force. Debris may still
be on roads around the town. Be careful and think of
others.
Assessments this morning of the ouvea premix
stored in the former Mataura paper mill found it has not
been affected by flood waters.
An inspection by Council
staff and FENZ was carried out. As well as finding there has
been no flood waters enter the building, it was determined
the mill was structurally sound.
The Alliance Group’s
Mataura plant and the Mataura Bridge have also been
inspected and cleared by emergency services and specialist
personal.
INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE
RETURNING HOME
Key
points:
• People are advised to stay away from
the Mataura River.
• Do not drive or walk through
flood waters. The water may have washed away parts of the
road and may contain debris.
• Treat all flood water
as contaminated and unsafe.
• People should conserve
water.
• A boil water notice is in place for Gore,
Mataura and Otama.
If your home or property was
affected by the floods over the past few days, below are
some tips to help as you embark on the
clean-up.
• Contact your insurance
company and take photos.
• Do
not move back into a damp house, particularly if
you have young children/babies.
• If you had a power
cut food in your freezer will stay safely frozen for
up to 24 hours as long as the freezer door is kept
closed. After 24 hours the food should be discarded.
• Please limit the amount of waste
water your household is generating ie - from
flushing the toilet, using the washing machine.
• Please check on your neighbours -
particularly if they live alone, are elderly or
vulnerable.
• Check the council website and Facebook
page for more information.
Building safety
issues
If you evacuated your property, it's importantthat
you check all your essential servicesare workingproperly.
Ensure facilities are safe (Gas/Electricity). If you have
any doubt, don’t switch on and contact a qualified
tradesperson.
Financial
If the event has had a
serious impact on you or your family, you may be entitled to
assistance. To discussyour circumstances call 0800 559
009.
Civil Defence paymentsmay be available, more
information can be found online:
www.workandincome.govt.nz
Animal
welfare
As you return you may find that pets, livestock
or wildlife may have sustained injuries. Below are the
details of who you should contact;
• Your pet(s) and/or
livestock: Contact your veterinarian if you have any
concerns relating to animal health. Call VetSouth 03 209
0101 or CVS 03 2080 140.
• Stray animals: If you find
animals that you do not own and are in need of immediate
medical attention please take a small animal to your local
veterinarian or contact the Gore SPCA (03 208 5111). For
large animals, contact the Ministry for Primary Industries
(MPI) on 0800 00 83 33.