Key Takeaways:
- Heavy flooding in Tai Rāwhiti has led to the closure of State Highway 35 and the evacuation of 80 people to Tolaga Bay Area School, which is serving as a Civil Defence base.
- The flooding has caused surface flooding, slips, and downed trees, making travel difficult and dangerous.
- The Tolaga Bay Holiday Park, which had recently reopened after recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle, has been evacuated due to the flooding.
- Civil Defence is monitoring the situation in Gisborne, with a focus on the Taruheru River, and is advising residents to be prepared and cautious.
- Residents are advised to stay home, stay off the roads, and keep themselves safe, and to sign up for text alerts through the Gisborne District Council website.
Introduction to the Flooding Situation
The recent heavy flooding in Tai Rāwhiti has caused significant disruptions and dangers, with 80 evacuees spending the night at Tolaga Bay Area School, which has been opened as a Civil Defence base. The flooding has led to the closure of State Highway 35 between Wainui Beach and Tolaga Bay, making travel difficult and dangerous. According to awa deputy Civil Defence officer Nori Parata, the rain had been "pretty torrential," resulting in surface flooding, slips, and downed trees. The Civil Defence base at Tolaga Bay Area School is well-equipped to handle the situation, with plenty of mattresses, kai, and other supplies for the evacuees.
The Evacuation Efforts
The evacuation efforts have been focused on getting people to safety, with the Tolaga Bay Holiday Park being evacuated due to the flooding. The park had recently reopened this season after recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle three years ago. The Civil Defence base at Tolaga Bay Area School has been set up to cater to the needs of the evacuees, with Parata stating that "we’re set up to cater in these emergencies. This is not our first rodeo." The base is equipped with everything needed to keep the evacuees safe and comfortable, including food, water, and medical supplies. The evacuees are being kept informed about the situation, and are being advised to stay at the base until it is safe to return to their homes.
The Situation in Gisborne
Meanwhile, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence is monitoring the situation in the city of Gisborne, with a focus on the Taruheru River, which flows through the city. The river level was at 4.26m at 11pm, and the level of concern that poses a risk to low-lying properties is 4.5m. Tairāwhiti emergency management controller Ben Green is advising residents to be prepared and cautious, and to monitor the river levels closely. He is also advising residents to check in with their neighbors and to proactively evacuate if they feel unsafe. Fire and Emergency is keeping people informed on Fergusson Drive and other low-lying streets, and residents can sign up for text alerts through the Gisborne District Council website.
The Weather Forecast
The weather forecast is still uncertain, with MetService lifting the thunderstorm warning for the Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay areas just before 9.30pm. However, orange heavy rain warnings are still in place, with Wairoa District under warning until 3am on Sunday, and Tairāwhiti until 8am. The situation is being closely monitored, and residents are advised to stay home, stay off the roads, and keep themselves safe. The Civil Defence is working closely with other agencies to ensure that everyone is safe and informed, and that the situation is brought under control as soon as possible.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the heavy flooding in Tai Rāwhiti has caused significant disruptions and dangers, with 80 evacuees spending the night at Tolaga Bay Area School. The Civil Defence is working closely with other agencies to ensure that everyone is safe and informed, and that the situation is brought under control as soon as possible. Residents are advised to stay home, stay off the roads, and keep themselves safe, and to sign up for text alerts through the Gisborne District Council website. The situation is being closely monitored, and residents can expect updates and information as the situation develops. It is essential for residents to be prepared and cautious, and to follow the instructions of the Civil Defence and other authorities to ensure their safety.