Mandatory evacuation orders have been extended to additional areas of Ōhope and Thornton as Cyclone Vaianu intensifies, with residents in a number of other coastal and low-lying areas strongly urged to self-evacuate now.
Acting Mayor Julie Jukes says the situation is serious and evolving.
“This is a dangerous weather event. There is a real risk to life, particularly in coastal and low-lying areas. Our message is clear: if you are told to leave, you must leave. Waiting could put your life, and the lives of emergency responders, at risk.”
Mandatory evacuation orders are now in place for properties across Ōhope and Thornton, in addition to the existing mandatory evacuation of all homes in West End, Ōhope, up to and including the Beach Point Apartment complex.
Residents in all mandatory evacuation areas must be out by this evening.
Full details of all affected addresses are available at whakatane.govt.nz/cyclone-vaianu-evac-info.
Local Controller Nicholas Woodley says the Council and Police are preparing for the possibility of additional mandatory evacuations later today or overnight.
“We are monitoring conditions closely. If further areas are placed under mandatory evacuation, it will be because staying is no longer safe. People should be ready to move quickly.”
Council staff and NZ Police are continuing door-knocking in affected areas.
“Don’t wait for water at your doorstep. Don’t wait for darkness or worsening weather. If you are told to go, go immediately.”
Strongly advised to self-evacuate now
Mr Woodley is strongly urging residents in the following areas to leave now, while it is still safe to do so - there is a high risk to safety and conditions are deteriorating rapidly.
In Ōhope, this includes all low-lying properties bordering Ōhiwa Harbour — including Liddon Cove, Ōhiwa Parade and Harbour Road - and all properties on Ocean Road.
In Thornton, this includes low-lying properties on East Bank Road, Thornton Road and Thornton Campground, where there is a high likelihood of roads becoming inaccessible.
"We are genuinely concerned about people in these areas. We are not issuing a mandatory order - but we are asking you, seriously and urgently, to consider your safety and go now while you still can."
"Go to friends or whānau further inland while the roads are clear and conditions are still manageable. If you have nowhere to go, the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall is open and ready."
Residents are urged to prepare to be away from home for at least two days, taking only what they need - medications, warm clothing, essential documents and phone chargers.
Please check on neighbours, especially the elderly or those who may need assistance.
"There is still time to move safely. but that window is closing," says Mr Woodley.
"This is about protecting lives. Please take this seriously."
If there is an immediate threat to life, call 111. For urgent issues such as flooding, slips or road damage, call Council's 24/7 call centre on 07 306 0500.
Further evacuation information is available at whakatane.govt.nz/cyclone-vaianu-evac-info.
Stay up to date via the Whakatāne District Council website and Facebook page, and listen to 1XX, Sun FM and Tumeke FM.