Whakatāne and Ōhope residents living or working close to escarpments should always remain alert for any signs of escarpment instability.

Residents living or working near escarpments should follow the below precautions:

1.    Residents whose properties are at the base of escarpments are advised to not occupy the rear ground floor rooms of their dwellings until 24 hours after each rainfall event has ended.
2.    Sleep in a room on the opposite side from the escarpment.
3.    Residents at the top of escarpments should monitor the ground adjacent to the escarpment edge for any sign of ground cracks or tree instability, and contact Council with any concerns.
4.    If you are concerned about escarpment stability, consider self-evacuating to a location where there is no landslide hazard.

If any signs are noted of soil movement or unstable trees on the escarpment, contact the Whakatāne District Council on 07 306 0500 (24 hours) with location details so the area involved can be inspected.