Key Takeaways:
- Severe weather has damaged major roads in the Thames-Coromandel region, with some remaining closed
- NZTA is working to clear slips and repair damage, but many restrictions will remain in place over the long weekend
- Dozens of smaller slips are being managed, as well as two major unstable areas on SH25
- Powerco has made progress in restoring power to customers, with around 1500 still without power
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has urged residents to stay alert and look for warning signs of landslides and fallen trees
Introduction to the Severe Weather
The Thames-Coromandel region has been battered by severe weather, resulting in significant damage to major roads and infrastructure. The intense rain has caused multiple slips, debris flows, and pavement damage across the network, with many roads remaining closed. NZTA Waikato System Manager Andy Oakley has stated that crews have been working to clear slips, remove fallen trees, and assess damage wherever it is safe to do so.
Road Closures and Damage
Parts of the East Coast remain inaccessible due to road closures, with many restrictions expected to remain in place heading into the long weekend. The NZTA has reported that dozens of smaller slips are being managed, as well as two major unstable areas on SH25 at Kūaotunu and between Whiritoa and Whangamatā. These two slips are large and unstable, and safety for road users and crews is the priority, which means work will pause at times until assessments confirm the slopes have settled. Photos captured by NZTA show the extent of the damage, with fallen trees, swollen waterways, and roads damaged by slips.
Community Response and Support
The community has come together to support those affected by the severe weather. New World Whangamatā shared a photo of its empty bread shelves, saying it was "currently cut off from the outside world". However, its bakers were hard at work making fresh product, while two trucks were to bring emergency supplies as part of a convoy. The store expressed its gratitude to everyone involved, saying "your patience, teamwork, humor, and resilience make all the difference".
Power Restoration Efforts
Powerco has made good progress in repairing and restoring power to customers in the Coromandel Peninsula, as well as western Bay of Plenty and eastern and southern Waikato. As of 9:30 am, around 1500 customers remained without power, down from 5700 at 4 pm the previous day. The company is working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Prime Minister’s Warning
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in the Thames-Coromandel region on Friday morning, urging residents to "stay alert and look for warning signs". He warned that even though the heavy rain has passed, the large amount of rainfall leaves many parts of the region particularly vulnerable to landslides and fallen trees. Luxon advised residents to act quickly if they see any of these, get away from the slope, and call 111.
Update on Coromandel State Highway Network
The NZTA has provided an update on the Coromandel state highway network, with several sections still closed. These include SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi, SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa, and SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge). However, some sections are expected to open later today, including SH25 Hikuai to Whangamatā and SH2 Karangahake Gorge between Paeroa and Waihi.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the severe weather has had a significant impact on the Thames-Coromandel region, with many roads remaining closed and power outages affecting thousands of customers. The NZTA and Powerco are working to restore access and power as quickly and safely as possible. Residents are urged to stay alert and look for warning signs of landslides and fallen trees, and to follow the latest updates from authorities. As the region begins to recover from the severe weather, it is essential to prioritize safety and to support those affected by the damage.