Ruapehu Civil Defence is urging travellers to respect road closure signage after multiple reports of people driving through floodwaters and closed roads, hindering response efforts and creating issues for themselves.

Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley said that a number of incidents have already occurred, including one traveller reaching Ōhura and running out of fuel.

“Over one hundred vehicles have been reported travelling through Ōhura despite road closures and unsafe conditions,” Mr Manley said.

“Extensive slips mean that through roads are not open, and contrary to earlier reports, State Highway 43 (Forgotten World Highway) from Taumarunui is also currently closed.”

Travellers are being warned not to attempt to bypass closures and to wait for official updates.

“Road crews are working as quickly as possible to assess and reopen routes, at least to single-lane access where it is safe to do so,” he said.

“Drivers who ignore road closure signage may find they’ve taken a long detour for nothing and face a lengthy drive back. More concerningly, they may get themselves into serious trouble and require rescue, putting additional pressure on emergency services.”

Council staff and the New Zealand Red Cross have now reached Ōhura and have begun welfare checks and assessments of critical infrastructure, including the drinking water treatment plant.

At this stage, the primary welfare requests from residents are for food parcels. A clearer picture of community needs will emerge as assessments continue.

Bottled water is now available at the Ōhura Memorial Hall welfare centre for residents who require it.

Rural Support has reported that farmers are dealing with widespread slips across properties, causing damage to fencing and making it difficult to check on stock.

Residents and travellers are strongly urged to:

• Obey all road closure signage and instructions
• Avoid driving through floodwaters
• Stay up to date through official Civil Defence and Council channels

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

UPDATE 3:

Emergency Access Re-established to Ōhura as Response Efforts Continue

Ruapehu District Council Civil Defence has advised that road access to Ōhura has been re-established for emergency services.

Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley said that while emergency access is now in place, the road to Ōhura via Matiere remains closed to residents and general travellers.

“There is still flooding across sections of the road around Matiere, and we are asking people not to attempt to drive through it,” Mr Manley said.

Although a small number of travellers have been able to leave Ōhura with assistance from local farmers, people are being urged to stay off surrounding roads until they are declared safe and fully reopened.

“We are also aware of travellers attempting to drive through Ōhura to reach New Plymouth. This is not possible due to significant slip damage further along the route,” he said.

Travellers heading to New Plymouth are advised to use State Highway 43 (Forgotten World Highway), which remains open.

With access now available for emergency services and contractors, welfare checks and infrastructure assessments are getting underway. The New Zealand Red Cross is expected to begin welfare checks upon arrival in Ōhura, alongside local iwi who are already supporting the community.

At this stage, only a small number of requests for food parcels have been received. However, there may be a need to arrange overnight accommodation for travellers who are unable to leave the area.

While residents connected to the Ōhura reticulated drinking water supply are advised that their tap water will be safe to drink taps should be checked to ensure water runs clear. Council staff are travelling to the township to inspect the water treatment plant, with the aim of restarting it once electrical systems have been assessed.

Bottled water will also be supplied for residents on tank water where supplies may have been compromised.

Local farmers have played an important role in supporting the response by helping to clear slips from local roads where possible. They are currently checking on farm damage and stock losses.

Council is coordinating with the New Zealand Defence Force to undertake a helicopter flyover around midday, which may also be used to deliver essential supplies if required.

The Minister for Emergency Management, Mark Mitchell, is also enroute to Taumarunui to assess the situation first-hand and has confirmed that all necessary Government support will be made available.

Favourable weather conditions this morning have significantly supported response efforts. While some further rain is forecast, it is not expected to cause additional issues at this stage.

Residents and travellers are urged to continue following official advice and updates.

UPDATE 2

Ōhura Flooding Update – Response Ongoing Following Overnight Peak Flooding

Ruapehu District Council Civil Defence is continuing its response to significant flooding in Ōhura, following overnight river levels that inundated parts of the township.

Deputy Chair of the Taumarunui-Ōhura Ward Committee, Sophie Stockbridge, reported that the Mangaroa Stream, part of the Ōhura River catchment, reached 7.3 metres overnight.

At its peak, floodwaters reached chest height in several streets, surrounding a number of houses and the local school, and inundating multiple vehicles. One vehicle has been reported lost due to flooding.

Evacuations took place between midnight and 3.00am, with 18 tourists currently being cared for at the Ōhura Memorial Hall welfare centre. All local residents are reported to be safe.

The tourist vehicles remain trapped by floodwaters, and arrangements are being made to secure overnight accommodation for those affected should access not be restored by tonight.

Ruapehu Civil Defence Controller said that the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Taumarunui is in close contact with Civil Defence personnel on the ground in Ōhura and is coordinating support.

“The priority at this stage is restoring access into Ōhura, with floodwaters and slips currently affecting local roads,” they said.

Teams, including the New Zealand Red Cross, are on standby in Taumarunui ready to deploy supplies and resources such as bedding as soon as it is safe to enter the township. Roading contractors are actively assessing damage and access routes.

A flyover is scheduled shortly to provide a clearer picture of the situation on the ground.

Minister for Emergency Management, Mark Mitchell, is travelling to Taumarunui to assess the situation first-hand and has confirmed that all necessary Government support will be made available.

Council is working alongside regional Civil Defence and partner agencies including Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, the New Zealand Red Cross, and local iwi.

Essential services remain operational, with cellular networks still functioning and water supply available from the Ōhura reservoir. However, wastewater systems, which rely on septic tanks, have been impacted by flooding. Plans are in place to pump these systems out once access for contractors is restored.

Reports from surrounding townships, including Tokirima and Matiere, indicate no significant issues.

Residents requiring assistance are advised to contact Council on 07 895 8188.

For life-threatening emergencies, call 111.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

UPDATE 1

Ruapehu District Council Declares Local State of Emergency for Ōhura Flooding

Ruapehu District Council has declared a local state of emergency in response to significant flooding in the Ōhura township.

An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated at Council’s main office in Taumarunui to coordinate the response and support affected residents.

Overnight, floodwaters in parts of Ōhura’s main street were reported to reach chest height, resulting in some houses and vehicles being flooded. Water levels have since receded, with flooding now reduced to ankle depth in some areas. However, conditions remain changeable and residents are urged to stay alert and follow official advice.

A total of 18 people have evacuated their homes and are currently being supported at the Ōhura welfare centre, located at the Ōhura Memorial Hall.

Council is working closely with partner agencies, including regional Civil Defence and emergency services, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community and to assess ongoing risks.

Residents are encouraged to:

Avoid floodwaters and do not attempt to drive through flooded roads

Stay informed through official Council and Civil Defence channels

Check on neighbours, particularly those who may need extra assistance

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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