Ruapehu Civil Defence Response Manager Vini Dutra said roading crews have now reopened all but six local roads after last week’s heavy rain, which caused widespread damage across the northern part of the district.

Local roads still to be fully reopened are:

1. Takiri Road - has extensive damage with dropouts and slips.
2. Tapuiwahine Road - closed at the 8km point due to the bridge deck being displaced by the flooding - the deck will be refitted this week.
3. Hohotaka Road - has extensive damage with slumping – resident access only.
4. Kokomiko Road - has extensive damage with dropouts and slips – resident and commercial Timber Trail operator access only.
5. Ongarue Stream Road - currently passable only to 11.3km (after Okauaka Road) with multiple slips along the remainder of the road – resident access only.
6. Taringamotu Road - closed between 12.7km and 19.5km (except for residents) with sections undermined and one land having dropped out.

Drive carefully and watch out for repair crews

The roading contractors and communities who have reopened the network so quickly after such a large event have done a brilliant job reopening 24 roads over a few days.

With the latest damage coming on top of the two previous weather events in June and July we were still working to catch-up on it has been an amazing effort.

Drivers can expect to see roading crews working at various sites especially around Ohura and Matiere that have been under water fixing drainage, road surface issues and removing debris.

Please drive with care and be aware that the roads are in a fragile state.

Reliable road access a recovery priority

Reinstating reliable road access is a top priority for the recovery efforts and Council will be continuing to focus on this.

While NZTA’s emergency funding arrangements allow Council to undertake remedial work to reopen the network longer-term permanent repairs will require full engineering assessments and costings.

These inevitably take more time, and we ask for people to be patient as we work through the necessary processes.

Weather watch

Ruapehu Civil Defence is continuing to keep a close watch on any forecast bad weather and is preparing accordingly. Some heavier rainfall is expected in flood hit areas over the next 24 hours however not to a level that will cause any issues. More rain is forecast for later in the week and this will be monitored closely and any necessary precautions taken.

Welfare support still available

Mr Dutra said that Council was continuing to provide welfare support and had been checking up on people and communities we are aware of impacted by flooding.

Feedback from the welfare teams is that people are thankful for the support but are doing well.

Requests for support are now around how we can provide more practical assistance such as with the clean-up efforts.

Council has been able to allow people to dispose of flood damaged household material at no cost at the Taumarunui Transfer Station.

So far, we have had around 18 tonnes of household flood waste dropped off.

We ask that people with flood damaged household goods ensure they pull out any recyclable, reusable or compostable material first.

Safe practices important when cleaning-up

Council would also like to remind people that flood water and flood damaged items can be contaminated with sewage from septic tanks, farm run off, or other pollutants.

Please ensure you wear appropriate safety equipment when cleaning-up such as rubber gloves, sturdy footwear, and consider wearing a mask.

Most importantly, use basic hygiene and always wash your hands with soap and water after handling anything that has been in contact with flood water.

For more advice see: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods#e1114

Taumarunui River Walkway and the Timber Trail

The Taumarunui River Walkway alongside the Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers was badly damaged in the flooding with large sections of the track through Nga Huinga / Cherry Grove washed away.

People are asked to take additional care if walking by the damaged trail and keep a close eye on children near the washed-out sections.

The electric BBQ in Nga Huinga / Cherry Grove has been underwater and should not be used until it has been certified as safe.

Council recognises that the River Walkway is much loved community asset, and people will want to know what its future holds.

The walkway was originally built with support from Government funding grants and will be looking to see what support is available to rebuild the damaged sections.

Road access to the Timber Trail and Timber Trail Lodge has now been reestablished for residents and commercial operators.

For the latest on the Trail condition and other information see: www.timbertrail.nz/trail-status

Continue to contact Council with any issues

Any requests for welfare support or information about road outages or other issues please continue to call Council on 07 895 8188.

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