Update: Defence Force On Alert As Floodwaters Rise

Current Activity The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) continues to provide support as possible floodwaters hit the central and lower North Island.

21 personnel and eight 4x4 Unimog Trucks from Linton Army Camp are at Tangimoana providing assistance with preventative sandbagging of a floodwall. A Defence liaison officer is working with staff at Horizons Manawatu Regional Council to provide a link with Civil Defence and other agencies.

A second team from Linton Army Camp has been sent to Wanganui as a precaution to assist authorities with the possibility of flooding at high tide. Additional Defence personnel and resources will continue remain on standby to assist Civil Defence including an Air Force Iroquois helicopter at Ohakea Air Base.

Army personnel at Waiouru are also on standby to assist Civil Defence tasks in the region.

Future Activity Defence personnel will remain on standby for possible sandbagging/rescue tasks at Wanganui. Defence personnel still remain at Tangimoana continuing sandbagging and a second team is on standby to assist if required. Additional activity is concentrated on work preparations in anticipation of large river floods.

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