Ruapehu District Council has kept its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) open at Level 1 as it focuses on recovery from the heavy rain event that has left behind widespread flooding and damage to the road network.

Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley said that this morning welfare teams are contacting everyone who needed assistance over the last few days to check on how they are doing while roading teams are out checking on the network and other key infrastructure.

While a handful of properties were isolated by the flooding they were not at risk, and the occupants were all ok.

We ask that people check on their neighbours and if anyone is needing assistance to call Council on 07 895 8188.

The flooding has meant that we have been unable to access a number of roads but as the water recedes checking on these roads, bridges and other infrastructure will be a priority.

We understand that some people have been isolated or unable to get to where they want to go for a few days now, but we are asking that they continue to be patient and only drive if necessary.

If you do need to travel, we ask that you take extreme care and not take risks such as driving through flooded areas as there could be hidden damage such as holes or submerged objects.

As floodwaters recede, the scale of damage to the district’s roading network is becoming evident, with repairs expected to cost many millions of dollars.

The focus of roading teams over the next few days will be on assessing the damage, ensuring access with at least one-lane open and then planning and implementing long-term repairs.

Travel out of the district is also still an issue with SH4 north of Taumarunui still closed.

If people do need to travel, they should check on the NZTA journey Planner website before leaving. See: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner

As local road conditions are reported back in from around the district we will keep people advised on our website ruapehudc.govt.nz and Facebook page.

People are asked to continue to call Council on 07 895 8188 with any road outage information or if they have any welfare needs.

© Scoop Media