Flood Media Release 2315 Hours
Media Release - 1 June 2010, 2315 Hours
The Eastern Bay of Plenty has experienced heavy rainfall over the afternoon and early evening. Rain has since eased.
The State Highway from Whakatane to Tauranga is now open (one lane only) and the road from Whakatane to Opotiki is open via Taneatua and Waimana. The road to Kawerau and Rotorua has remained open throughout the evening.
A welfare centre has been opened at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall. 67 people have been evacuated to the welfare centre from their homes in Whakatane due to flooding and 4 in Opotiki. The Kawerau District has not had any evacuations.
Road closures:
· Valley Road slip at No 152
· Alexander Ave, Apanui Ave and Peace Street in Whakatane
· McCoy Road
· Wainui Road – flooding at Te Kooti Road intersection
Roads Now Open:
· SH2 Whakatane to Opotiki via Taneatua and Waimana
· Matata Straights to Tauranga (one lane only overnight)
· Ohope Hill open with care (Maraetotara Road intersection accessible by 4 x 4 vehicles only) – slip at top of hill being worked on
· Waiotahi Bluffs (one lane only)
The Controller David Bewley says that “the rain has eased however the Emergency Operations Centre will remain open throughout the night and staff will monitor any change in conditions. Recovery operations will begin first thing in the morning.”
For people returning to their properties which have been flooded David Bewley stated that they needed to try to make the buildings safe and weatherproof. He reminded them to take pictures of the damage for insurance claims and to keep all damaged items for inspection. “People need to get essential services repaired and keep a copy of their invoices, make a list of any perishables and remember don’t start non-essential repairs without the insurance company’s approval”.
David Bewley said people needed to contact their local council to arrange for a building officer or environmental health officer to inspect their buildings. The Council will issue a report detailing the extent of the remedial work required for the insurer.