Ruapehu District Council Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is partially activated at Level 2 as we respond to the current heavy rain front moving through the district.

The heavy rainfall that was forecast to mitigate yesterday evening has continued at a higher intensity than anticipated notably around the northern Ruapehu area.

Regional Civil Defence headquarters in Palmerston North has advised that the heavier rainfall currently passing over the district is expected to mitigate through the morning with a swing to a southerly direction later in the day.

No problems are expected from heavy rain from around the Ongarue river catchment flowing into the Whanganui River.

The change to a southerly direction may bring the potential for localised heavy downfalls of up to 20 ml with associated localised flooding and ponding.

Council contractors are responding to multiple slips on the local road network.

NZTA also report major slips of State Highways with SH4 closed north of Taumarunui preventing travel north to Te Kuiti.

Police and other response agencies are now operating from the Ruapehu EOC in Taumarunui.

Ohura, Maitere and Tokorima townships in northern Ruapehu are currently isolated from slips and flooding across local access roads.

The Mangaroa Stream near Ohura is continuing to rise with reports that some houses in Ohura are now under threat.

Civil Defence is in communication with emergency services in the township who advise the situation is under control.

A family in Maitere has self-evacuated from their home due to the rising Ohura Stream and are being cared for by the local community at the local Cosmopolitan Club.

While some Ruapehu Water Treatment Plants (WTP) have stopped operating due to high river turbidity there is no issue with supply as reservoirs are meeting demand.

Ruapehu Civil Defence is being supported in the response by the Regional Civil Defence headquarters in Palmerston North including with staff at the EOC.

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Hon. Mark Mitchell has also been in contact with Ruapehu Civil Defence Controller Clive manley and offered any necessary support.

People are asked to continue to avoid any unnecessary travel as the weather system passes through.

If travel is necessary, check with NZTA Journey Planner, take extreme care and watch for surface flooding, debris, and changing conditions.

Report any local issues to Council on 07 895 8188.

Local road network

• Ohura Road - closed
• Mangapapa Road - closed
• Ongarue Waimiha Road - closed
• Kawautahi Road - closed
• Liaising with NPDC to close Waitaangas
• Hohotaka Road is closed to heavy vehicles

State Highways

• SH30 Kopaki to Bennydale - closed
• SH3 Awakino between Mokau and Piopio - closed
• SH4 between Te Mapara to Taumaranui - closed
• SH43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona - closed

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