The message is clear: Cyclone Vaianu is approaching the Whakatāne District. Residents in Ōhope, coastal Thornton, and anyone who feels unsafe are urged to evacuate inland before 12pm today.
Conditions are expected to become life-threatening from early this afternoon, with:
- Winds gusting up to 150km/h
- Waves of approximately 12 metres
- Coastal flooding forecast to peak around high tide at 2.20pm
Acting Mayor Julie Jukes says the situation has escalated significantly overnight.
“This is not the storm we were preparing for yesterday – it is worse. The track has shifted and we are now directly in the firing line. If you are in Ōhope, coastal Thornton, or anywhere you feel unsafe, get out now.”
“The combination of extreme winds, large waves and high tide this afternoon is extremely dangerous. Seek shelter with whānau or friends where possible. Take essential items like medication, warm clothes, important documents and supplies for babies and pets, if it will not delay you doing so.”
The Emergency Operations Centre has been monitoring the situation overnight and has established its response plan for today.
Local Controller Nicholas Woodley says approximately 270 properties have been issued mandatory evacuation notices, along with several coastal campgrounds:
- Ōtamarākau
- Pikowai
- Murphy’s
- Department of Conservation campground at Matatā
“Regardless of whether you have been issued a mandatory evacuation notice or not, residents of Ōhope, coastal Thornton and anyone who feels unsafe are strongly advised to evacuate before 12pm today.
Do not wait until this afternoon – by then it will be too late to move safely.”
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been deployed to Whakatāne and will establish a forward operating base at Whakatāne District Council.
This includes:
- An NZDF team with HS60 vehicles
- A Swift Water Rescue Team
- A Surf Lifesaving New Zealand team with an IRB
“We have significant resources in place to support our communities,” says Mr Woodley.
“But we need people to act now so those resources can be focused where they are needed most.”
Evacuation centres
The Whakatāne War Memorial Hall continues to operate as a dedicated Emergency Evacuation Centre.
An emergency hub has also been activated at Rangitihi Marae in Matatā.
What to do now
- If you are in Ōhope, coastal Thornton or anywhere you feel unsafe, leave for inland locations before 12pm
- After evacuating, do not travel. Use inland roads only
- If you have already evacuated, do not return to collect belongings
- Be prepared for ongoing power outages
- Never walk or drive through floodwater
If there is an immediate threat to life, call 111.
For urgent issues such as flooding, slips or road damage, call the Council’s 24/7 call centre on 07 306 0500.
Non-urgent issues can be logged via the Fix It and Report a Problem form on the Council website.
Stay up to date via the Whakatāne District Council website and Facebook page, and listen to 1XX, Sun FM and Tumeke FM.