Progress to restore services in the Clutha District continues despite plummeting temperatures and snow overnight.

Emergency Management Otago Group Controller Matt Alley says, “Emergency responders are working tirelessly to restore services; however, this work is expected to slow down because the damage is so widespread. This is still a difficult time for those without power. It’s heartening to hear so many in the community supporting each other.”

“People’s safety and the restoration of essential services remains our priority. We encourage everyone to continue checking on others and to pass on information. Support services, financial assistance, and welfare centres are in place to help people.”

Financial support
Grants of up to $1,000 are available through Rural Women New Zealand to support affected individuals. Funds are for personal use, for example, a new fridge or insurance excess etc.

The Government has announced a $50,000 contribution to the Clutha District Council Mayoral Relief Fund for one-off assistance.

Power update
PowerNet have been working hard over the weekend and have now restored power to Beaumont, Lovells Flat, Romahapa, Warepa and parts of other areas. While progress is being made, this is expected to slow down because the damage is so widespread and power outages for remote areas could potentially last weeks.

Additional resources are coming from Delta to help restore power to the district and will be allocated between Balclutha and Gore.

Cell towers

PowerNet have also advised that power has been restored to all transformers supplying power to cellphone towers in the Clutha district except the OneNZ tower at Puaho Road, Purakauiti (near Maclennan and Papatowai).

Water
The Lawrence reservoir level is very low, and some residents have reported having no water. Issues at the treatment plant have been resolved and reservoirs are slowly refilling. Residents are urged to conserve water with the reservoir at 10%.

A boil water notice remains in place for most of the district, except Balclutha, Kaitangata, Wangaloa, Milton and Waihola.

Roading
Many roads in the Clutha District remain fully or partially closed due to downed power lines, however, detours are in place to ensure access to all communities. Contractors can only clear these areas with power services personnel when they are available. The Clutha District Council website has the latest updates.

Support for farmers
MPI and Otago Rural Support Trust are holding a number of Rural Information Meetings on Wednesday 29 October in Ōwaka, Lawrence, Tapanui and Clydevale. More information at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D3AvxcwT1/

Farmers and growers are encouraged to attend where they can, and for any further wellbeing and welfare assistance to contact Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Compliance

Farmers unable to comply with environmental rules and regulations, are asked to let Otago Regional Council know. ORC Staff will also be present at the above Rural Information Meetings to give advice on how to handle effluent storage, milk dumping, stock exclusion, stock water and green waste disposal. Call 0800 800 033 or email pollution@orc.govt.nz.

Welfare centres
Drop-in welfare centres continue to operate and be established in communities across the district. These include Balclutha, Lawrence, Heriot, Clutha Valley, Benhar, Ōwaka, Waitahuna, Clinton, Kaka Point, Taieri Mouth, Tuapeka Mouth, Papatowai and Waikaka. Hours will vary and can be checked on Clutha District Council’s weather event page

People are asked to reach out and check on neighbours who may be elderly, live alone, or are currently without communication.

Trees and powerline safety
Clearing fallen trees remains extremely dangerous, especially where branches may be spring-loaded or near powerlines. More trees and branches could still fall. Those untrained should not attempt to clear them and keep well clear for their own safety.

Food safety
Food safety advice is available on Clutha District Council’s website. There are also skips for spoiled food at: Simpson Park, Lawrence; Knarston Park, Taieri Mouth; Ōwaka Freedom camping site.

Stay informed
Get updates and information at cluthadc.govt.nz/weather-event

Listen to Radio New Zealand (101 FM / 810 AM), More FM (92.9 FM / 93.7 FM) or Hokonui (95.2 FM / 91.3 FM / 88.3 FM) if you are able to.

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