A large slip on Northbank Road, north of Blenheim, is evidence Marlborough’s roads and communities are still vulnerable after the recent weather event.

Marlborough Emergency Management Group Manager and duty controller Matt Kerr said it was a timely reminder for residents to remain vigilant and prepared following the recent weather event.

“MetService is forecasting more rain for Marlborough and Tasman later in the week. We still have a state of local emergency declared in Marlborough, land is saturated and, in some areas, unstable so we may still see slips causing consequences for our communities.

“Teams are working as quickly as they can to ensure everything that can be done is being done to prepare for more rain on Thursday. The advice from Council’s hydrologists, based on the current MetService forecast, is that there is not likely to be a concern for Spring Creek or Lower Terrace residents in Renwick. Of course, we will keep monitoring this situation and if that changes, residents will be kept informed.

“The sun is shining which is great to see but people should remain informed about what is on the horizon and be prepared. Marlborough Emergency Management and Council’s focus is on readiness and response for the rest of the week while still making plans for recovery,” Mr Kerr said.

Council’s Rivers team has been reviewing impacts on the region’s stopbank network including known areas of concern at Spring Creek and at the confluence of the Wairau/Waihopai Rivers.

MetService New Zealand this morning issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for a 15-hour period from 6am to 9pm Thursday 3 July for the Richmond and Bryant ranges including Rai Valley and the Marlborough Sounds. People are advised to expect 80 to 110mm of rain about the Sounds and ranges and 60 to 80mm elsewhere, at peak rates of 10 to 20 mm per hour. There is a low chance of this being upgraded to a Red Warning.

“Stormwater is likely to be the main concern for Council along with compounding impacts to roading and the stability of land across the wider Marlborough region. It is incredibly important that anyone in the rural sector and contractors undertaking emergency works or flood repairs, does so in a safe manner.

“Marlborough Emergency Management remains activated for a response to the event should it be required – we are prepared. People can do the same by checking and clearing drainage and gutters around their properties and check in on their neighbours to make sure they are ok and doing the same. Please be safe at the same time,” Mr Kerr said.

The public are still advised not to go near floodwaters due to risk of contamination and to boil their water if they are concerned.

For preparedness advice go to: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.

For more information on floodwater and contamination go to: Floods and health

To keep up to date with the latest information and alerts sign up to Antenno. All you need to do is install the app and save places you care about such as your home, work, rental property or school. Antenno will notify you when something relevant to your chosen place(s) arises. Go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/apps/antenno

Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at www.metservice.com/warnings/home

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