2.00pm, 19 April 2026

No mandatory evacuations are required after the flood peak and high tide in the Whanganui River at midday was lower than forecast. However, residents in low-lying areas are being asked to remain vigilant.

Whanganui District Council Civil Defence declared a State of Local Emergency at 6.57am this morning. Emergency management teams and partners door knocked low-lying areas of Whanganui as a precautionary measure to advise residents of the rising river.

Mayor Andrew Tripe commended the community’s resilience in light of lower than forecast river levels.

“As a community based around the Whanganui River, being prepared for flood events like this should be second nature. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best. In this situation, the forecast has come out for the best at this stage,” he said.

Our Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Operations Centre team and partners worked overnight and throughout the day and will continue monitoring and communicating with the public in preparation for forecasted local rain this evening with a high tide around midnight tonight.

The State of Local Emergency will remain in place overnight and its status will be reviewed once there is confidence that our community is safe.

While there are no mandatory evacuations, this does not stop people evacuating to stay with friends or family if they feel it is necessary for their situation.

“The key message for our community is to stay safe, stay vigilant and up-to-date,” Mayor Andrew said.

Roads are closed at Mangamahu Road, Whanganui River Road, Kaiwhaiki Road and Kainui Road at Mangamahu due to a slip.

The river boardwalks at Moutoa Quay and Drews Avenue remain closed.

Roads leading to Kowhai Park and surrounding land on Anzac Parade are blocked as ponding is present and the community are advised to stay away.

“It is important that residents stay out of floodwater and be wary of entering areas where surface flooding is occurring,” says Mayor Andrew.

Please keep updated on the Whanganui District Council Facebook page, website and Antenno.

UPDATE 2

Whanganui River flooding event
11.30am, 19 April 2026

Remain prepared as river rises

Whanganui District Council Civil Defence emergency management teams and partners are door knocking in low-lying areas of Whanganui. Our Whanganui River Road communities have kept the council up-to-date as high river levels move through from the upper Whanganui River catchment.

Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was stood up at 7am this morning after heavy rain overnight affected the Whanganui River catchment.

Welfare teams and emergency partners are door knocking in low-lying areas of Whanganui East, Anzac Parade, Putiki and Taupo Quay letting residents know about potential rising river levels.

People in these areas are encouraged to self-evacuate early and stay with friends and whānau if they are concerned. A Civil Defence welfare centre has been stood up at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Guyton Street for those requiring help.

A review of whether evacuations will be necessary is expected by 12 noon.

Mayor Andrew Tripe encourages the community to remain vigilant and be prepared.

“This next period is critical as we monitor river levels and the incoming tide,” says Mayor Tripe.

Roads are closed at Mangamahu Road, Whanganui River Road and Kaiwhaiki Road, as well as Kainui Road at Mangamahu due to a slip.

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