Dunedin

Dunedin July Severe Weather update #15

1pm, Sunday 23 July 2017 

Dunedin Civil Defence Emergency Management continues to respond to issues related to heavy rain on Friday and Saturday.

The rain has now cleared and much of the focus is now on clean up and repairs following significant damage in parts of the wider city.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sue Bidrose says about 130 properties – most of them in the Henley and Taieri areas – remain evacuated.

“Some of these residents may not be able to return to their homes for several days. Anyone who cannot yet return home and needs emergency accommodation should contact us on 03 477 4000.”

All but two of the 100 properties evacuated in lower Outram have now been able to return home. All but one of the 12 properties evacuated due to a slip in Ravenswood Street, St Clair have been able to return home.

Anyone whose property has been damaged by floodwaters, slips or weather related issuers should contact their insurers as soon as possible.

Please treat all floodwater as being potentially contaminated.

Dr Bidrose says the other priority today will be on clearing slips on main arterial roads.

State Highway 88 from Maia to Roseneath is closed due a large slip on the road. Residents in this area can get in and out using Upper Junction Road. This road is only open to light vehicles, it is not suitable for trucks. NZ Transport Agency is working on the slip and hope to reopen the road by the end of the day. People inside the closure area can also use SH88 to move between the two slip sites. Port Chalmers residents can use Blueskin Rd and Mt Cargill Rd to get in and out of the city.

Dr Bidrose says a serious vehicle accident at Portobello Road near Macandrew Bay this morning temporarily closed the road again. The road has now re-opened to residents only access from Doon Street through to Tidewater Drive, Harwood. There is debris and surface flooding and in some places the road is down to one lane only.

Work to clear a slip on Harington Point Road just past the turnoff to Harwood will start today, although later than planned due to the crash. Residents on the Otago Peninsula north of Harwood remain effectively cut off, with no alternative access route available. Otakou Marae has carried out door knocking in the area and are supporting welfare needs.

Motorists should continue to avoid all non-essential travel today, particularly in the Taieri and Peninsula areas. Do not go sightseeing.

“People need to be aware there will be widespread debris and damage on roads, and motorists must drive carefully and to the conditions. Those driving should also be aware of the late frost which has made many roads icy,” Dr Bidrose says.

A number of roads remain closed due to flooding – a full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

Power outages

Around 60 houses remain without power – most of them in Leith Valley and Henley. Leith Valley will be the priority for the Aurora crews today and power is expected to be returned to those homes later today. There is currently no estimated time for restoring power to properties in Henley where there has been damage to both poles and lines. Aurora General Manager operations and risk John Campbell says there will need to be some rebuilding when the waters subside.

Parks and recreation

Dog owners taking their dogs along the Silverstream Flood Bank track in Mosgiel are advised to take extreme care. The high rainfall in the Silverstream catchment may have swept possum carcasses poisoned with 1080 downstream.  Keep dogs on a lead at all times; carcasses will be extremely toxic to dogs if eaten. OSPRI has been asked to patrol the area and remove any carcasses.

There have been two slips onto the Frasers Gully walking track. Please stay away from this area until further notice. Second Beach walking track in St Clair is also closed due to a slip.

The Dunedin premier club rugby semi finals are taking place today at Hancock Park. The DCC has not had to divert contractors from any flood related recovery to achieve this outcome.

Keep up to date

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

www.dunedin.govt.nz

www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil

https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

Dunedin July Severe Weather update #14

8.30am, Sunday 23 July 2017

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Richard Saunders says Dunedin City Council staff and contractors, are focusing on recovery with clean ups and repairs following significant damage in parts of the wider city caused by heavy rain and flooding.

He says this morning there is ice on many roads after very low temperatures over night.

“The grit trucks are currently on the road so please be aware and drive to the conditions. Some roads may not yet have been treated as crews have been busy with issues caused by the flooding.”

There are approximately 25 other slips on roads across the city, many of them on the Otago Peninsula.

A slip on Harington Point Road just past the turnoff to Harwood is still moving and clearance work on this will not start until at least Monday. This means that residents on the Otago Peninsula north of Harwood are effectively cut off, with no alternative access route available. Otakou marae has carried out door knocking in the area and have supported welfare needs.

Mr Saunders says Ravenswood Street in St Clair remains closed and 12 houses have been evacuated due to a slip. People must stay out of the area until further notice.

Motorists should avoid all non-essential travel today across the roading network, but particularly in the Taieri and Peninsula areas. Do not go rubbernecking.

“People need to be aware there will be widespread debris and damage on roads, and motorists must drive carefully and to the conditions. Those driving this morning should also be aware of the late  frost which has made many roads icy,” he says.

A number of roads remain closed due to flooding – a full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

Power outages

Around 60 houses remain without power – most of them in Leith Valley and Henley. Leith Valley will be the priority for the Aurora crews today and power is expected to be returned to those homes later today. There is currently no estimated time for restoring power to properties in Henley where there has been damage to both poles and lines. Aurora General Manager operations and risk John Campbell says there will need to be some rebuilding there when the waters subside.”

Evacuations and welfare

Dozens of residents who were evacuated from areas such as the Henley township, the lower part of Outram and other parts of the Taieri Plain and Mosgiel spent a second night away from their homes, but the situation will be re-assessed this morning to see if they can return home.

Anyone whose property has been damaged by floodwaters, slips etc. should contact their insurers as soon as possible.

Please treat all floodwater as being potentially contaminated.

Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it.

Information Centres

The information centres set up in South Dunedin and in Mosgiel have now been closed. A further assessment on demand for their services will be made at 9am.

Parks and recreation

There have been two slips onto the Frasers Gully walking track. Please stay away from this area until further notice.

Second Beach walking track in St Clair is also closed due to a slip.

Moana Pool and Gym will reopen today (Sun 23 July).

Keep up to date

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

www.dunedin.govt.nz

www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil

https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

Dunedin July Severe Weather update #13

7.45pm, Saturday 22 July 2017

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sue Bidrose says Dunedin City Council staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence personnel continue to respond as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority.

Residents who were evacuated overnight and earlier today need to stay out of their homes tonight as well. This affects residents in areas such as the Henley township, the lower part of Outram, and other parts of the Taieri Plain and Mosgiel.

The situation will be re-assessed on Sunday morning.

Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management is recommending that residents in Bush Road/Mill Creek area remain evacuated tonight as the river level remains high and the ability to monitor the stability of the area during darkness is limited. Residents who require a place to stay are able to go to the Mosgiel Information Centre, Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street to arrange accommodation. A further update on the situation will be provided early tomorrow.

Dr Bidrose says rain has eased, but the main areas of concern are still the Taieri River, which remains high, slips and other widespread issues throughout the roading network.

Ravenswood Street in St Clair is closed and 12 houses have been evacuated due to a slip. People must stay out of the area until further notice.

There are approximately 25 other slips on roads across the city, many of them on the Otago Peninsula.

A slip on Harington Point Road just past the turnoff to Harwood is still moving and contractors will reassess this in the morning. This means that residents on the Otago Peninsula north of Harwood are effectively cut off, with no alternative access route available. Otakou marae has carried out door knocking in the area and have supported welfare needs.

Progress is being made on clearing slips on Portobello Road. Portobello Road, from Doon Street through to Tidewater Drive, Harwood, is closed, with residents only access. Motorists must take extreme care, there is debris and surface flooding and in some places the road is down to one lane only.

Dr Bidrose says motorists should continue to avoid all non-essential travel, particularly in the Taieri and Peninsula areas. Do not go rubbernecking.

The NZ Transport Agency advises sub-zero temperatures overnight tonight in areas of Otago are likely to cause hazardous driving conditions on many routes from around 4am onwards. Transport Agency and DCC roading contractors will be out applying grit so motorists are urged to take care in the morning on icy and gritted roads.

A number of roads are closed due to flooding – a full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

Information Centres

The Civil Defence information centre in Mosgiel at the Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street remains open.

The information centre set up in South Dunedin at The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road, closed at 5pm. We will reconsider re-opening this centre tomorrow morning.

The Emergency Operations Centre remains activated and a state of emergency in place. Anyone who has welfare concerns, or who wants to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000.

Parks and recreation

There have been two slips onto the Frasers Gully walking track. Please stay away from this area until further notice.

Second Beach walking track in St Clair is also closed due to a slip.

Dog owners taking their dogs along the Silverstream Flood Bank track in Mosgiel are advised to take extreme care. The high rainfall in the Silverstream catchment may sweep possum carcasses poisoned with 1080 downstream.  Keep dogs on a lead at all times; carcasses will be extremely toxic. OSPRI has been asked to patrol at first light and remove any carcasses.

Keep up to date

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

Dunedin July Severe Weather update #12

3.20pm, Saturday 22 July 2017

Rain is beginning to ease, however Civil Defence personnel remain on high alert as state of emergency for Dunedin City continues.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller David Campbell says Dunedin City Council staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence personnel continue to respond as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority.

Mr Campbell says the main areas of concern are currently the Taieri River, which remains high, slips and other widespread issues throughout the roading network.

Ravenswood Street in St Clair is closed and 12 houses have been evacuated due to a slip. People must stay out of the area until further notice.

There are approximately 25 other slips on roads across the city, many of them on the Otago Peninsula.

A slip on Harington Point Road just past the turnoff to Harwood is still moving and clearance work on this will not start until at least Monday. This means that residents on the Otago Peninsula north of Harwood are effectively cut off, with no alternative access route available. Otakou marae has carried out door knocking in the area and have supported welfare needs.

Progress is being made on clearing slips on Portobello Road. Portobello Road is expected to be open all the way to Tidewater Drive, Harwood to residents only from 5.30pm. However, please be aware that there is still surface water and debris on many parts of the road.

Mr Campbell says contractors continue to clear slips based on priority.

Motorists should avoid all non-essential travel today across the roading network, but particularly in the Taieri and Peninsula areas. Do not go rubbernecking.

“People need to be aware there will be widespread debris and damage on roads, and motorists will not be able to tell the depth of floodwaters,” he says.

A number of roads are closed due to flooding – a full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

Power outages

Around 60 houses remain without power – most of them in Leith Valley and Henley. There is currently no estimated time for restoring power to properties in Leith Valley due to slips blocking road access.

DCC contractors are working to clear these slips so linesmen can access the fault.

Evacuations and welfare

Civil Defence has evacuated several rural properties in the Mill Creek area, Taieri because of concerns about the structure of the pump station due to high river flows. NZ Defence Force personnel have been working alongside Otago Regional Council staff and contractors to block a hole alongside the Mill Creek pump station on the Taieri River stopbanks.

About 100 households in the lower part of Outram were evacuated overnight because of water flowing into township near the substation at Huntly Road.

Flooding in parts of Mosgiel and the Taieri Plain has meant some residents have been evacuated.

We have made provisions for emergency accommodation for people who were evacuated and cannot yet return to their home. If anyone requires emergency accommodation, please call 03 477 4000.

Anyone whose property has been damaged by floodwaters, slips etc. should contact their insurers as soon as possible.

Please treat all floodwater as being potentially contaminated.

Anyone feeling vulnerable or unsafe can contact us and we will arrange for Civil Defence volunteers to visit. Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it. Anyone who feels their safety is in danger or who has water entering their house or business should call emergency services on 111.

Information Centres

The information centre set up in South Dunedin at The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road, will close at 5pm today. We will reconsider opening this tomorrow morning.

The information centre in Mosgiel at the Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street will continue operating overnight as a place where people can go for more information.

Parks and recreation

There have been two slips onto the Frasers Gully walking track. Please stay away from this area until further notice.

Second Beach walking track in St Clair is also closed due to a slip.

Due to the adverse weather conditions and flow-on effects of these, Moana Pool and Gym are closed today (Sat 22 July).

Dog owners taking their dogs along the Silverstream Flood Bank track in Mosgiel are advised to take extreme care. The high rainfall in the Silverstream catchment may sweep possum carcasses poisoned with 1080 downstream.  Keep dogs on a lead at all times; carcasses will be extremely toxic. OSPRI has been asked to patrol at first light and remove any carcasses.

Keep up to date

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

Civil Defence is advising several rural properties in the Mill Creek area, Taieri to self evacuate because of concerns about the structure of the pump station due to high river flows. There is potential for the pump station to fail which would inundate the area.

As a precaution, police are door knocking the affected properties and advising the occupiers to self evacuate.

Meanwhile, Ravenswood Street in St Clair is closed and some houses evacuated due to a slip.

9am, Saturday 22 July 2017

Dunedin City Council staff and contractors are out assessing damage caused by heavy rain and flooding yesterday and overnight.

Surface flooding has affected roads around the wider city and forced some residents, in areas such as lower Outram, Mosgiel and the Taieri, to evacuate.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sandy Graham says motorists should avoid all non-essential travel today across the roading network, but particularly in the Taieri and Peninsula areas.

“The forecast is for rain to ease today, but a state of emergency continues and DCC staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence personnel continue to respond as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority,” Ms Graham says.

“The Taieri River is expected to remain very high for some time due to the heavy rain which has fallen in the headwaters.”

From yesterday morning to 7am today, about 223mm of rain was recorded at Swampy Spur, and 114mm at Riccarton Road near Mosgiel. Musselburgh had recorded about 81mm.

“People need to be aware there will be widespread debris and damage on roads, and motorists will not be able to tell the depth of floodwaters. Avoid non-essential travel today and do not go rubbernecking,” Ms Graham says.

“If anyone is travelling, please be aware that contractors have run out of flooding signs. Please drive with caution. Not every area with surface flooding is signposted. We are looking to source more signs.”

A number of fords and roads will remain closed until they have been properly assessed.

A large slip on Portobello Road, close to King George Street, means access to Portobello and Broad Bay has been cut off. There are a number of other slips on the Otago Peninsula and access to Macandrew Bay is by Highcliff, Camp and Castlewood Roads.

Access via Highcliff Road is not possible due to current work repairing previous slips.

Ms Graham says a geotechnical assessment is being carried out at the Portobello Road slip site this morning.  “The priority will be to establish access past the slip site to enable access for residents.”

An earlier slip close to the Harwood turn-off blocking the road will also need to be assessed.

A number of roads are closed due to flooding – a full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

Power outages

Power has been lost to a number of areas overnight due to implications of the current weather.

The following areas in Dunedin City remained without power this morning:

- Old Brighton Road, Dunedin
- Green Island Bush Road, Dunedin 
- St Leonards Drive, Dunedin
- Berwiick, Henley, Dunedin
- Anzac Ave, Dunedin

Aurora Energy is working restore power as soon as possible in these areas. At this stage they are unable to provide a time of when power will be restored but will keep you updated as information becomes avaliable. Power could be restored at any time so please treat all electrical equipment as live at all times.

Evacuations and welfare

About 100 households in the lower part of Outram were evacuated overnight because of water flowing into township near the substation at Huntly Road.

Flooding in parts of Mosgiel and the Taieri Plain has meant some residents have been evacuated.

The Army assisted Civil Defence in rescuing nine people trapped in and on cars on State Highway 87 early this morning. A unimog transported the occupants to safety.

We have made provisions for emergency accommodation for people who were evacuated, however it has not been required at this stage.

Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it. Anyone who feels their safety is in danger or who has water entering their house or business should call emergency services on 111.

Moana Pool closure

Due to the adverse weather conditions and flow-on effects of these, Moana Pool and Gym will be closed today (Sat 22 July).

Silverstream flood bank track

Dog owners taking their dogs along the Silverstream Flood Bank track in Mosgiel are advised to take extreme care. The high rainfall in the Silverstream catchment may sweep possum carcasses poisoned with 1080 downstream.  Keep dogs on a lead at all times; carcasses will be extremely toxic. OSPRI has been asked to patrol at first light and remove any carcasses.

Information Centres

The Dunedin City Council is still operating two information centres, in South Dunedin and Mosgiel, as places where people can go for more information. The centres are currently staffed and are located at:

• Mosgiel – Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street
• South Dunedin – The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road

Keep up to date

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

www.dunedin.govt.nz

www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil

https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

Dunedin City Council staff and contractors will be busy from first light assessing damage caused by heavy rain and flooding.

Surface flooding has affected roads around the wider city and forced some residents, in areas such as lower Outram, Mosgiel and the Taieri, to evacuate.

The Army assisted Civil Defence in rescuing nine people trapped in and on cars on State Highway 87 early this morning. A unimog transported the occupants to safety.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sue Bidrose says people need to be aware there will be widespread debris and damage and motorists must drive carefully and to the conditions.

“We are asking people to respect road signs and avoid driving through floodwaters if possible. If they have to drive through surface water, please do so very slowly.”

A number of fords and roads will remain closed until they have been properly assessed.

A large slip on Portobello Road, close to King George Street, means access to Portobello and Broad Bay has been cut off. There are a number of other slips on the Otago Peninsula and access to Macandrew Bay is by Highcliff, Camp and Castlewood Roads.

Access via Highcliff Road is not possible due to current work repairing previous slips.

Dr Bidrose says a geotechnical assessment will be carried out at the Portobello Road slip site at first light today.

“The priority will be to establish access past the slip site to enable access for residents.”

An earlier slip close to the Harwood turn-off blocking the road will also need to be assessed.

Dog owners taking their dogs along the Silverstream Flood Bank track in Mosgiel are advised to take extreme care. The high rainfall in the Silverstream catchment may sweep possum carcasses poisoned with 1080 downstream.  Keep dogs on a lead at all times; carcasses will be extremely toxic. OSPRI has been asked to patrol at first light and remove any carcasses.

A number of roads are closed due to flooding – a full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

A state of emergency continues and DCC staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence personnel are responding as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority.

Dr Bidrose says that motorists should not go sightseeing, or put themselves or others at risk.

Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it. Anyone who feels their safety is in danger or who has water entering their house or business should call emergency services on 111.

Residents in low-lying areas who feel  concerned can self evacuate. If you choose to evacuate and need help to do so, please call the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Information Centres

The Dunedin City Council is still operating two information centres, in South Dunedin and Mosgiel, as places where people can go for more information. The centres are currently staffed and are located at:

• Mosgiel – Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street
• South Dunedin – The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road

General preparedness

• If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won’t be affected
• Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do if the rain gets worse, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

www.dunedin.govt.nz

www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil

https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

3.45am, Saturday 22 July 2017

A large slip on Portobello Road, close to King George Street, means access to Portobello and Broad Bay has been cut off.

Access via Highcliff Road is not possible due to current work repairing previous slips.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sue Bidrose says a geotechnical assessment will be carried out at the Portobello Road slip site at first light today.

“The priority will be to establish access past the slip site to enable access for residents.”

An earlier slip close to the Harwood turn-off blocking the road will also need to be assessed.

Civil Defence is evacuating about 100 households in the lower part of Outram because of water flowing into township near the substation at Huntly Road.

This affects lower Formby, lower Bell, Allanton at the Bell Street end, Huntly at the Bell Street end, effectively everything below Orme Street.

Dr Bidrose says it is not safe to drive on roads in and out of Outram. As a result, residents in these streets are being moved to higher ground within Outram.

There is a possibility we may need to evacuate all of Outram at a later point, so residents need to take warm clothes, bedding, pets etc. as they may not be able to get back into their homes for some time.

Volunteers are door knocking in this area to inform residents they need to evacuate. Civil Defence has opened the school hall and community hall on the main street for residents to relocate to if needed. Food and hot drinks will be available at the halls.

Residents are being asked to drive to these locations and not walk as the floodwaters may be contaminated. Lifts will be provided for those that cannot drive.

Flooding in parts of Mosgiel and the Taieri Plain has meant some residents have been evacuated.

Dog owners taking their dogs along the Silverstream Flood Bank track in Mosgiel are advised to take extreme care. The high rainfall in the Silverstream catchment may sweep possum carcasses poisoned with 1080 downstream.  Keep dogs on a lead at all times; carcasses will be extremely toxic.

A number of roads are closed due to flooding – a full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull declared a state of emergency for Dunedin City this evening in response to issues arising from heavy rain in the city.

DCC staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence personnel are responding as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority.

Dr Bidrose says that motorists should not go sightseeing, or put themselves or others at risk.

Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it. Anyone who feels their safety is in danger or who has water entering their house or business should call emergency services on 111.

Residents in low-lying areas who feel  concerned can self evacuate. If you choose to evacuate and need help to do so, please call the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Information Centres

Dunedin City Council has opened information centres in South Dunedin and Mosgiel as places where people can go for more information and which can also potentially be used as welfare centres if the need develops. The centres are currently staffed and are located at:

• Mosgiel – Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street
• South Dunedin – The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road

The Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club is also available if people want to self evacuate.

General preparedness

• If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won’t be affected
• Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do if the rain gets worse, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

Useful links

• Road conditions
• Otago Regional Council Water information
• Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management
• DCC Facebook
• DCC Twitter

Civil Defence is encouraging lower Outram residents who are at the halls to take up the offer to leave the township via supplied transport. An army unimog is available to take people from lower Outram to the Mosgiel information centre at the Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street. From the centre, residents can arrange to stay with family or friends, or Civil Defence can organise accommodation.

Update 0130

Civil Defence is evacuating about 100 households in the lower part of Outram because of water flowing into township near the substation at Huntly Road.

This affects lower Formby, lower Bell, Allanton at the Bell Street end, Huntly at the Bell Street end, effectively everything below Orme Street.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sue Bidrose says it is not safe to drive on roads in and out of Outram. As a result, residents in these streets are being moved to higher ground within Outram.

There may be a need to evacuate all of Outram at a later point, so residents need to take warm clothes, bedding, pets etc. as they may not be able to get back into their homes for some time.

Volunteers will be door knocking in this area to inform residents they need to evacuate. Civil Defence has opened the school hall and community hall on the main street for residents to relocate to if needed. Food and hot drinks will be available at the halls.

Residents are being asked to drive to these locations and not walk as the floodwaters may be contaminated. Lifts will be provided for those that can not drive.

Civil Defence will continue to monitor the situation and update the community as more information comes to hand.

Flooding in parts of Mosgiel and the Taieri Plain has meant some residents have been evacuated.

Dr Bidrose says due to the rising Taieri River, affected residents in the Henley township and in the upper Taieri ponding area have been evacuated.

Residents in the Gordon Road spillway area have been told to evacuate. Search and rescue personnel are door knocking in this area.

Civil Defence is advising residents in the lower Taieri ponding area (due to the rising Owhiro Stream) to self evacuate and Police and the Fire Service have door knocked in this area. We will also be contacting some residents in low-lying areas of Ocean View and some residents in Silverstream Drive advising them to consider self evacuation.

The caravan park in Brighton has been evacuated and the Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club is available if people want to self evacuate.

Dukes Road is blocked due to livestock being relocated out of the upper ponding area so please avoid this road.

Residents in low-lying areas who feel concerned should make plans to self-evacuate to stay with friends or family who live on higher ground. If possible, please take your pets with you.

If you do not have somewhere to go, please go to the CDEM information centre in Mosgiel – Fire Service Theatre, 3 Cargill Street and we can arrange accommodation. If you need help to physically evacuate, please let us know when we contact you or call us on 03 477 4000.

If things change and we need to evacuate a wider area, we will contact residents to let them know. Please remember to check on your neighbours, particularly if they are vulnerable.

A number of road closures are now in place – Three Mile Hill has recently been closed due to flooding on the Mosgiel side.  A full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull declared a state of emergency for Dunedin City this evening in response to issues arising from heavy rain in the city.

The state of emergency has been declared because the emergency situation is beyond the resources of the emergency services alone, or otherwise requires significant co-ordination. It means extra powers are available to assist in the emergency response.

If anyone else feels unsafe you can self evacuate. If you choose to evacuate and need help to do so, please call the DCC on 03 477 4000.

Due to heavy rain infiltrating into the wastewater system, manhole covers have been forced up in Surrey Street, South Dunedin, and on North Road in North East Valley. The system backs up at certain bottleneck points and overflows onto the road. The overflows are contained on roads, but people should stay out of floodwaters in these areas and treat them as contaminated. The Dunedin City Council has opened all available bypasses to alleviate pressure on the system.

DCC staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence personnel are responding as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority.

Dr Bidrose says that motorists should not go sightseeing, or put themselves or others at risk.

Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it. Anyone who feels their safety is in danger or who has water entering their house or business should call emergency services on 111.

Information Centres

Dunedin City Council has opened information centres in South Dunedin and Mosgiel as places where people can go for more information and which can also potentially be used as welfare centres if the need develops. The centres are currently staffed and are located at:

• Mosgiel – Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street

• South Dunedin – The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road

Sandbags

Sandbags and sand are available from the Memorial Park car park beside the stadium/Mosgiel Memorial Gymnasium, and in South Dunedin at the carpark behind St Clair Tennis Club, Victoria Road. These areas are lit and contractors are available to help.

Sportsgrounds & Freedom Camping

DCC sportgrounds will remain closed on Saturday. The Dunedin premier club rugby semi-finals at Hancock Park will go ahead as scheduled, provided it is safe to do so.

Due to the weather the DCC recommends all freedom campers find alternative accommodation rather than staying at either of the DCC’s two freedom camping sites tonight.

General preparedness

• If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won’t be affected
• Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do if the rain gets worse, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

www.dunedin.govt.nz

www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil

https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

Dunedin July Severe Weather update #6

11.55pm, Friday 21 July 2017

Flooding in parts of Mosgiel and the Taieri Plain has meant some residents have been evacuated.

Dunedin Civil Defence Controller Sue Bidrose says due to the rising Taieri River, affected residents in the Henley township and in the upper Taieri ponding area have been evacuated.

Residents in the Gordon Road spillway area have been told to evacuate. Search and rescue personnel are door knocking in this area.

Civil Defence is advising residents in the lower Taieri ponding area (due to the rising Owhiro Stream) to self evacuate and Police and the Fire Service have door knocked in this area. We will also be contacting some residents in low-lying areas of Ocean View and some residents in Silverstream Drive advising them to consider self evacuation. We are currently paying close attention to Outram as we have concerns that SH87 might close, so we need to consider evacuations now.

Dukes Road blocked due to livestock being relocated out of the upper ponding area so please avoid this road.

Residents in low-lying areas who feel concerned should make plans to self-evacuate to stay with friends or family who live on higher ground. If possible, please take your pets with you.

If you do not have somewhere to go, please go to the CDEM information centre in Mosgiel – Fire Service Theatre, 3 Cargill Street and we can arrange accommodation. If you need help to physically evacuate, please let us know when we contact you or call us on 03 477 4000.

If things change and we need to evacuate a wider area, we will contact residents to let them know. Please remember to check on your neighbours, particularly if they are vulnerable.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull declared a state of emergency for Dunedin City this evening in response to issues arising from heavy rain in the city today.

The state of emergency has been declared because the emergency situation is beyond the resources of the emergency services alone, or otherwise requires significant co-ordination. It means extra powers are available to assist in the emergency response.

If anyone else feels unsafe you can self evacuate. If you choose to evacuate and need help to do so, please call the DCC on 03 477 4000.

There has been steady rain in the city today. About 41mm of rain had fallen at Musselburgh to 10pm and about 78mm has been recorded at Silverstream at Riccarton Road to 10.30pm. Silverstream at Swampy Spur has recorded 148mm at 10.25pm.

Due to heavy rain infiltrating into the wastewater system, manhole covers have been forced up in Surrey Street, South Dunedin, and on North Road in North East Valley. The system backs up at certain bottleneck points and overflows onto the road. The overflows are contained on roads, but people should stay out of floodwaters in these areas and treat them as contaminated. The Dunedin City Council has opened all available bypasses to alleviate pressure on the system.

DCC staff, contractors, emergency services and Civil Defence personnel are responding as quickly as they can to weather-related issues based on priority.

A number of road closures are now in place. A full list of road closures and conditions is available online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. State highway closures are on the NZ Transport Agency website at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

Dr Bidrose says that motorists should not go sightseeing, or put themselves or others at risk.

Anyone wanting to report flood-related issues with DCC services should call us on 03 477 4000 to report it. Anyone who feels their safety is in danger or who has water entering their house or business should call emergency services on 111.

Information Centres

Dunedin City Council has opened information centres in South Dunedin and Mosgiel as places where people can go for more information and which can also potentially be used as welfare centres if the need develops. The centres are currently staffed and are located at:

• Mosgiel – Fire Station Theatre, 3 Cargill Street

• South Dunedin – The Mercy Room, Catholic Social Services, 42 Macandrew Road

Sandbags

Sandbags and sand are available from the Memorial Park car park beside the stadium/Mosgiel Memorial Gymnasium, and in South Dunedin at the carpark behind St Clair Tennis Club, Victoria Road. These areas are lit and contractors are available to help.

Sportsgrounds & Freedom Camping

DCC sportgrounds will remain closed on Saturday. The Dunedin premier club rugby semi-finals at Hancock Park will go ahead as scheduled, provided it is safe to do so.

Due to the weather the DCC recommends all freedom campers find alternative accommodation rather than staying at either of the DCC’s two freedom camping sites tonight.

General preparedness

• If your basement is prone to flooding lift items that could be damaged by water off the floor. Be sure garden sprays and other chemicals won’t be affected
• Check grates near your house for blockages and keep them clear of leaves and other debris to avoid water building up and affecting your property.

For the public to keep up to date with what is happening and for advice about what to do if the rain gets worse, please see the DCC website, DCC social media, listen to the radio and use other media.

Please refer family, friends and neighbours to these communication channels.

www.dunedin.govt.nz

www.facebook.com/DunedinCityCouncil

https://twitter.com/DnCityCouncil

Anyone with flood-related queries or issues should call 03 477 4000.

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