Key Takeaways
- Over 40 people were evacuated after flooding and slips shut State Highway 2 between Matawai and Ōpōtiki on Friday.
- A police-led rescue operation was launched, with local helicopter pilots playing a crucial role in bringing stranded people to safety.
- The rescue effort involved multiple agencies, including the New Zealand Defence Force, local and regional councils, and Police Search and Rescue staff.
- The stretch of road is expected to be closed all weekend, with the recovery of vehicles taking some time due to significant damage.
Introduction to the Rescue Effort
The recent flooding and slips that shut State Highway 2 between Matawai and Ōpōtiki on Friday resulted in a large-scale rescue operation. A local helicopter pilot, Luke, played a key role in bringing stranded people to safety, helping to evacuate over 40 individuals who were trapped in the Waioeka Gorge. The police-led rescue operation was launched on Friday night, after dozens of people were stranded by huge slips caused by heavy rain. The situation was dire, with many people confused and unsure of what to do, as they were trapped between multiple slips.
The Rescue Operation
The rescue operation was a complex and challenging effort, involving multiple agencies and requiring careful coordination. Luke, the pilot, made two rescues of four people, before being asked by police to begin taking people to Maunganuku carpark. He noted that many people were confused and unsure of what to do, as they were trapped between multiple slips. Luke also mentioned that the people could have been taken to safety a lot sooner, if it was up to the local pilots. He stated that "we could have got everyone out quite quickly and easily given we had most of the afternoon to do it, but things were sort of pushed out to the afternoon." The operation was made more challenging by the difficult terrain and the presence of a single strand wire that criss-crosses the area.
The Role of Local Helicopter Pilots
The local helicopter pilots, including Luke and Motu Helicopters, played a crucial role in the rescue operation. They were able to navigate the challenging terrain and retrieve stranded individuals, bringing them to safety. The pilots’ knowledge of the area and their expertise were essential in ensuring the success of the operation. As Luke noted, "it’s a very dangerous environment in there, there’s a single strand wire that criss-crosses all the way up so a lot of us operators we fly that a lot so we know the area." The pilots’ efforts were instrumental in bringing the stranded individuals to safety, and their contributions to the rescue operation were invaluable.
The Response from Authorities
The response from authorities was swift and effective, with the police, New Zealand Defence Force, local and regional councils, and Police Search and Rescue staff all playing a role in the rescue operation. Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney praised the efforts of all those involved, stating that "it’s been a significant effort to reach so many people who were trapped, and I want to acknowledge the efforts of local helicopter pilots, New Zealand Defence Force staff, local and regional councils, and Police Search and Rescue staff." The authorities worked together to coordinate the rescue effort, ensuring that everyone trapped between the slips was brought to safety.
The Aftermath of the Rescue
The aftermath of the rescue operation saw the evacuated motorists being taken to a local campsite, where an NZDF NH90 helicopter ferried them to evacuation centres at Matawai and Ōpōtiki. The recovery of the vehicles will take some time, given the significant damage and number of slips through the gorge. However, as Inspector Cooney noted, "the main thing is nobody was hurt." The stretch of road is expected to be closed all weekend, with the Transport Agency working to assess the damage and implement repairs.
Conclusion and Future Actions
The recent flooding and slips that shut State Highway 2 between Matawai and Ōpōtiki on Friday highlighted the importance of effective emergency response and rescue operations. The successful evacuation of over 40 people was a testament to the bravery and expertise of the local helicopter pilots, as well as the coordination and efforts of the authorities involved. As the community looks to the future, it is essential that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring, and that the necessary infrastructure and resources are in place to respond to emergencies. The incident also highlights the need for continued investment in emergency services and infrastructure, to ensure that communities are prepared and equipped to respond to disasters and emergencies.
