Media Release #6: People urged to be cautious and aware across Otago

“People driving through cordons and ignoring road closures are not only endangering themselves and other peoples’ properties, but are possibly compromising emergency responders who may have to come to their aid,” he says.

While rain appeared to abate in Dunedin during the afternoon, Mr Alley cautioned it is likely to resume during the evening. The hardest hit parts of coastal Otago have already had 100-150mm during the past 24 hours.

“People have to exercise common sense and stay away from rivers, avoid unnecessary travel and be aware of surface flooding,” he says.

Another 40-60mm of rain is expected around Dunedin for the 12-hours to 11pm tonight, before it begins easing in a meaningful way, Mr Alley says.

People with concerns about nearby streams and rivers can check their status on Otago Regional Council’s Environmental Data Portal via the ORC website.

Please be patient and considerate in using this tool, some people require access to the EDP for important decision-making today, Mr Alley says.

The Clutha River was forecast to reach 2000 cumecs, potentially between 2am-8am, but it could rise to 2300-2500 cumecs which could be problematic downstream at Inch Clutha near the river mouth. The Taieri River at Outram is expected to reach 1000-1100 cumecs overnight.

“People who live near rivers should be aware stay informed overnight. If anyone’s property is affected by flooding, don’t wait to be told to leave and self-evacuate if you have safety concerns.”

People should also be aware there have been ongoing power and communications outages in some parts of Otago during the day, this could affect other areas later tonight.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says the southern roads currently closed are expected to remain closed overnight, and likely reopen tomorrow once flooding recedes.

Roads impacted and closed by flooding and slips include SH 1 south of Dunedin between Waihola and Milton and to the north between Palmerston and Evansdale, and also Palmerston to Hampden - and elsewhere across the region.  Heading inland, SH 85 from Palmerston to Kyeburn is also closed.

“There are many local roads around Otago which are closed. People need to respect those closures and stay safe,” Mr Alley says.

For updates on all state highways, check our Journey Planner website which is updated 24/7, here: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions

Some Dunedin buses are operating. People should check the Orbus website for the latest information.

At 6pm, 11 Otago Regional Council river monitoring stations were in flood warning alert, down from 14 sites a few hours earlier.

Civil Defence payments

Civil Defence Payments are available for people who have been affected by the flooding in the Dunedin City Council area. You don't have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence Payment, and non-residents may be eligible. In most cases it doesn't matter what your income is or what assets you have. These can help with; emergency food, clothing and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed; costs if you’ve had to leave your home; a payment if you have evacuees staying with you in places such as a private home, marae or community centres.

Call Work and Income on 0800 400 100 for more information and to apply:

• Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October, call from 8am – 1pm.

• Monday 7 October, from 8am - 6pm or go to workandincome.govt.nz

WELFARE:

The St Clair Golf Club welfare centre is closing. If you feel you need to get to a welfare centre in Dunedin, Forsyth Barr Stadium is still open. Brighton Surf Life Saving Club is open for people in that area.

SANDBAGS:

Sandbags are still available at South Dunedin (Ice Stadium), Mosgiel (Memorial Park carpark) and

Middlemarch (Showgrounds). There are bags and sand available at the East Otago Events Centre.

WATER:

All flood water should be treated as contaminated. Please keep out and away from all flood and river water.

West Harbour and Peninsula residents are being told to conserve water. Tanks are on the way to supply residents with drinking water, they should bring their own containers to fill.

Waitaki:

Windsor Water Supply - Conserve Water

Corriedale Water Management Ltd has advised that the Windsor Water Supply has been shut down due to the Kakanui River being high and dirty. Consumers on the Windsor Water Supply should conserve water until further notice.

Awamoko Scheme: Conserve Water Notice

Reports of wastewater overflows, stay out of floodwaters, treat water as contaminated, numerous roads closed.