Media Release #7: Emergency response teams assessing flood impacts

With the weather easing, Emergency Management Otago’s priority is on the impacts of flooding in communities and giving support to restoring access and services to those who are now isolated.

Controller Matt Alley says, “This is a difficult time for many, keep looking after each other, we know that supporting each other is a strength of Otago people.

“As well as urban folk with flooded homes, we are thinking of our rural communities and their stress as they attend to the welfare of their livestock at what is a critical time.”

All rivers including the Taieri and Clutha have now peaked and flows are receding, although many remain above their high flow alert levels.

The deluge has flooded many properties across the region, including farms, homes and businesses. Impacts and numbers of affected properties are still being assessed.

 

Public Health is concerned that there is now a high risk of a gastro outbreak in flood-affected parts of the region.

 

“Because of this, we ask people to ensure they stay out of the flooded and contaminated water, cook with and drink clean water, boil if you have to, and wash hands.”

Mr Alley adds: “We continue to assess the scale of support required to communities. Agencies, contractors and lifeline organisations are currently working really hard to restore services, assess damage and check on people.”

 

In Clutha District, 58 roads are closed, with smaller communities now cut off at Tokomairiro Mouth, which has been without power since yesterday. Also isolated are Kaka Point, Long Point and Measley Beach.

The following wastewater plants are impacted and not functioning as they should. These are at Tapanui, Milton, Balclutha, Kaitangata, Waihola, Owaka, Kaka Point.

Clutha District Council welfare teams are currently working to contact people in isolated communities.

Several boil water notices in place for Clutha residents – please stay aware of these via the Clutha District Council website and facebook.

 

In North Otago, consumers on the Windsor and Awamoko Water schemes are asked to conserve water. There are also reports of wastewater overflows in this area so again, treat all water as though it is contaminated.

 

In Central Otago, a boil water notice is still in effect for Omakau and Ophir, and a conserve water notice for Naseby, Ranfurly and Patearoa until further notice.

 

“We also recognise that farmers are under a lot of pressure and also appreciate the effort to manage their farm and effluent systems.”

Mr Alley says many city, district and state highway roads are closed with severe surface flooding.

“People must continue to keep away from low-lying flood-prone areas, stay out of floodwaters and do not to drive through them  – as this can worsen effects on flooded properties.

“Even on roads now open, people should drive with extreme caution and delay non-essential travel as conditions are hazardous. There will be many potholes and debris from erosion, so reduced speeds are required.”

 

Key information for communities

If you are a farmer or grower, or a worker or live on a farming business, support is available through your local Rural Support Trust. Number is 0800 787254.

Please contact your milk supplier if you have any concerns about milk collection.

Also, if farmers have feed for sale or are looking for feed to buy please visit Otago Federated Farmers Facebook.

 

Ministry of Social Development

MSD has civil defence payments available for people affected in the Dunedin area.

 

Insurance

We encourage people that when they can, to contact their insurer to make a claim.

 

Safety

Remain vigilant on roads that are not closed: There are significant areas of erosion in parts, especially Dunedin, again making driving conditions hazardous and causing road closures.

River data

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.

 

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

 

Civil Defence payments

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.