Whakatane Civil Defence Update 19 July 2004

A state of civil defence emergency is still in place in the Whakatane district. The situation will be reassessed at midday tomorrow.

Whakatane District Water Supply

Whakatane/Ohope/Coastlands

Whakatane District Council staff are concerned over the excess use of water in Whakatane/Ohope/Coastlands area. The town is drawing more water than we are producing and it will take 24 hours to get the water supply up to capacity. People are asked to please put off tasks using water until tomorrow.

Awakeri Consumers in Awakeri areas, Western Drain Road and anyone in vicinity of Reids Canal bridge are affected by loss of supply over Reids Canal. It is anticipated that residents will be without water for a minimum of 48 hours.

From 1 pm a tanker will be available at Awakeri School. People need to provide their own containers. Another tanker will be available for delivery. Residents need to phone 306-0500. They must be accessible for tanker and have storage 1\½-2 cubic metres provided from tanker nozzle.

Ruatoki Power is expected to be restored later today and water supply should recover overnight. Currently the Ruatoki reservoir is empty. Water will be supplied by tanker at Ruatoki from 1:30 pm. Residents will need to provide their own containers.

An update on reinstatement of supply will be made later today.

Insurance For insurance purposes, people are advised not to throw away damaged goods. Insurance companies cannot assess unless they sight the damaged goods.

EVACUATIONS

Awatapu Residents of Awatapu are advised that it is unlikely that they will be returning to their homes today. They need to be prepared to stay away another night. The evacuation centre at the War Memorial Hall will continue to operate to assist evacuees. Floodwaters are unlikely to recede until the river levels lower, hopefully later today. Houses will need to be checked before residents can return.

Te Teko Te Teko residents are now able to return home. Clean up operations will start soon.

Whakatane and Edgecumbe It is hoped that people evacuated from homes in Whakatane and Edgecumbe will be able to return in 24 hours.

Evacuees are reminded that they must register at a welfare centre to be eligible for WINZ support. The welfare centres are located at the war memorial hall in Whakatane, the House of Hope in Kawerau, the Awakeri Events Centre in Awakeri, the Awakaponga Hall in Caverhill Rd or Rangitahi Marae in Matata.

WHAKATANE/OPOTIKI MAYORAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND

A Mayoral Relief Fund has been set up for residents of Whakatane and Opotiki Districts affected by the flooding in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Donations can be left at any branch of BNZ.

For further information contact: John Forbes, Mayor, Opotiki District Council, 07-315-6167 Colin Hammond, Mayor, Whakatane District Council, 07-306-0500

ENDS

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