Key Takeaways:
- A massive landslide has collapsed part of State Highway 35 on the East Cape, cutting off coastal communities between Pōtaka and Tikitiki.
- The recovery effort is expected to take weeks, with an estimated 500,000 cubic meters of material to be removed.
- State Highway 35 is a critical lifeline for communities on the East Cape, providing access to health services, supplies, and utilities.
- The landslide has also affected other roads in the area, including State Highway 2, which is still closed between Gisborne and pōtiki.
- Communities are urging for the road to be reopened as soon as possible to restore access to essential services and supplies.
Introduction to the Landslide
The recent storm that ripped across the North Island has caused significant damage to the East Cape region, with a massive landslide collapsing part of State Highway 35. The landslide, which occurred in Punakaru, near Te Araroa Camp and on the way to Hicks Bay, has completely overrun the road and collapsed it down the hill. According to NZTA regional manager for maintenance and operations Rua Pani, the recovery job is a big one and will take weeks to clear the slip. Despite the size of the landslide, Pani believes that the road is fixable, and crews are working to reopen access either side of Hicks Bay.
Assessing the Damage
The landslide has caused significant damage to the road, with an estimated 500,000 cubic meters of material needing to be removed across the whole of State Highway 35. There are multiple other slips along the route, including another large slip at Hicks Bay that swept across the state highway and into the motel lodge. A chef at Hicks Bay Motor Lodge reported that water was still flowing down from the 200-square-meter slip on Friday afternoon. Additionally, Taurangakoau Bridge over Mangaowira Stream has partially washed away, with work underway to secure contractor access across the bridge. Pani is urging people to be cautious when driving in the open sections of State Highway 35, as workers are still clearing debris, trees, and culverts.
Impact on Communities
The closure of State Highway 35 has had a significant impact on the communities in the area. State Highway 2, which connects Gisborne and pōtiki through the Waioeka Gorge, is still closed, forcing a long detour through Napier and State Highway 5 to Taupō for those heading north. This detour is particularly problematic for the community, businesses, and freight, which is why NZTA is working hard to reopen State Highway 2 at Waioeka. Te Araroa civil defence co-ordinator Tash Wanoa emphasized the importance of State Highway 35, stating that it is a "critical lifeline roading network" for communities on the East Cape. The road connects communities to health services, lifeline utilities, and supplies, and its closure has left Te Araroa cut off.
Community Concerns
The communities of Hicks Bay and Te Araroa are closely connected, with Hicks Bay needing Matakoa Health Centre in Te Araroa for health services and fuel. The volunteer fire brigades also work together, and Te Araroa will now have to access St John services from Ruatoria, about 30-45 minutes away on a good day. Wanoa is hoping that access will be restored soon, and once State Highway 35 on both ends reopens, Hicks Bay residents will have the option to go to pōtiki, and Te Araroa residents can go to Gisborne. The community is urging for the road to be reopened as soon as possible to restore access to essential services and supplies.
Recovery Efforts
NZTA is working hard to clear the landslide and reopen State Highway 35. Pani is urging people to be patient and to avoid traveling to the area unless necessary. The recovery effort is expected to take weeks, and NZTA is working to secure contractor access across the bridge and to clear debris, trees, and culverts. The community is also working together to support each other during this time, with volunteer fire brigades and civil defense teams providing assistance. The reopening of State Highway 35 is critical to restoring access to essential services and supplies, and the community is hopeful that it will be reopened soon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the landslide on State Highway 35 has had a significant impact on the communities in the East Cape region. The recovery effort is expected to take weeks, and NZTA is working hard to clear the landslide and reopen the road. The community is urging for the road to be reopened as soon as possible to restore access to essential services and supplies. State Highway 35 is a critical lifeline for communities on the East Cape, and its closure has highlighted the importance of this road to the community.
