Key Takeaways:
- Whangārei district has been placed under a state of emergency for seven days due to severe weather conditions.
- Heavy rain is expected to continue, with a high risk of surface flooding, slips, and road closures.
- Residents are advised to prepare for potential power cuts, communications outages, and to avoid travel unless necessary.
- Sandbags are available to the community at designated locations.
- Farmers are reminded to move stock to higher ground to ensure their safety.
Introduction to the Emergency Situation
The Whangārei district has been placed under a state of emergency for seven days, with concerns remaining for residents in hard-hit areas such as Ōakura. The community has been busy cleaning up after the weekend’s sudden downpours, and the Whangārei District Council has made sandbags available to help with flood protection. The sandbags can be found at Ōakura Hall and outside the Ventia yard, 27 Te Waiiti Place, Raumanga. With heavy rain now hitting Northland, residents are being warned to be prepared for the worst.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
Civil Defence has warned that heavy rain could cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, leading to surface flooding, slips, and floodwaters that could close roads and disrupt travel. The main period of concern is the next bout of rain, which is forecast to arrive later in the day and continue overnight, especially for communities that have already experienced impacts from previous rainfall. Residents are advised to act quickly to self-evacuate if they see rising water and to expect power cuts and communications outages. Farmers are also reminded to move stock to higher ground to ensure their safety.
Government Response and Preparation
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has stated that the next big deluge for Northland is expected to arrive around lunchtime, and that preparations have been made by the National Emergency Management Authority (Nema) and Civil Defence, as well as police and fire, to "pre-position people" and ensure that they are ready to deal with whatever is thrown at them. Mitchell is most worried about Northland and Ōakura and the surrounding areas, which are basically fully saturated in terms of the ground, and has urged residents to think about their own safety, be prepared, and have a grab bag ready to go. He has also praised marae leaders for providing support to the community, saying they have been "outstanding".
Far North District Council’s Response
The Far North District Council (FNDC) has opened its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Kaikohe, which will act as the nerve centre for the council’s response to any weather-related emergencies that may impact the district over the coming 24 to 36 hours. The council has not issued a local state of emergency at this stage but is warning Far North residents and visitors, especially those in remote locations, to avoid travel. People who must travel are encouraged to check for road closures and delays on the FNDC website and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s website. Fourteen Far North District Council local roads have been impacted by the severe weather, including two roads that are completely closed, while others are restricted due to flooding, debris, and fallen trees.
Community Advice and Support
Far North councillor Colin "Toss" Kitchen has advised locals to work from home if they can and avoid unnecessary travel. He has also reminded people to be prepared, both to stay at home or leave if necessary, and to check in on neighbours. Kitchen has said that locals are familiar with the places that are vulnerable to flooding and has advised holidaymakers to talk with locals or campground owners to get an idea of risk areas. In an update, Kitchen said heavy rain was now coming in from the east at Karikari Peninsula, and that people should be prepared for the worst. The community is coming together to support each other, with Whangārei District Council contractor company Revolve Environmental Solutions encouraging residents to do their bit by clearing any culverts, catch pits, and other stormwater structures while water levels are down.
Agricultural Concerns and Animal Welfare
There have been reports of livestock in difficulty in the weather, with cattle reportedly stranded in floodwaters at Mangapai Rd, east of the Paparoa Rd, Maungakaramea turnoff. The road to Ōakura to the main road was clear on Wednesday morning, after sections flooded after the weekend’s deluge. Flooding continues at Whakapara, northeast of Whangārei, despite rain overnight Wednesday, with flood levels dropping in some places. Farmers are reminded to move stock to higher ground to ensure their safety, and to take necessary precautions to protect their animals and property.
Conclusion and Ongoing Support
The situation in Northland remains critical, with heavy rain and flooding expected to continue. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The community is coming together to support each other, and the government is working to provide assistance and support to those affected. It is essential for residents to stay informed, follow the latest updates, and take action to protect themselves and their properties.
