Key Takeaways
- Two Bay of Plenty councils, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, have extended their local states of emergency due to last week’s storm.
- Around 150 people from 30 properties in Pāpāmoa are being evacuated due to fears of another deadly slip.
- Six people remain unaccounted for after a landslide at Mt Maunganui, and two people were killed in Pāpāmoa.
- States of emergency have been lifted in other regions, including pōtiki District Council, Whakatāne District Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, and Kawerau District Council.
- Recovery efforts are underway, with cordons in place to manage risk to the public and enable police recovery operations.
Introduction to the Crisis
The Bay of Plenty region is facing a crisis after last week’s storm, with two councils extending their local states of emergency. The Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have taken this step due to the severe damage caused by the storm, which has resulted in the deaths of several people and left many more unaccounted for. The situation is being closely monitored, and emergency services are working tirelessly to respond to the crisis.
Evacuations in Pāpāmoa
In Pāpāmoa, around 150 people from 30 properties are being evacuated due to fears of another deadly slip. The area includes the Mangatawa Marae and Papakāinga housing up to State Highway 2, near the southern end of Truman Lane. The evacuation is a precautionary measure, as a slip has occurred near a watermain pipe to the reservoir above the marae, which has the potential to break should the land subside further. Tauranga City Council Emergency Controller Tom McEntyre has stated that there is a "risk to life and property," and a geotech expert is onsite to assess the situation.
States of Emergency Extended
The extension of the states of emergency in Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councils is a response to the severe damage caused by the storm. The council areas encompass the sites of two deadly landslides in Pāpāmoa and at Mt Maunganui, with two people confirmed dead and six unaccounted for. The extension will allow emergency services to continue their response efforts and provide support to those affected by the disaster. The states of emergency will remain in effect for the next seven days, unless otherwise notified.
Recovery Efforts
Recovery efforts are underway, with cordons in place to manage risk to the public and enable police recovery operations. The cordoned area around the slip at Mt Maunganui has been reduced to allow businesses on the Marine Parade side to reopen. Pedestrians can now access Marine Parade as far as Adams Ave, but the road is closed to general traffic. The public is being asked to be respectful of the work underway and to keep to the footpath unless crossing. The recovery teams are working to recover the six people unaccounted for, and the community is coming together to support those affected by the disaster.
Tributes to the Victims
Families and members of the community are paying tribute to the victims of the landslide at Mount Maunganui. The community is in shock and mourning, and the tributes are a way of showing respect and support for those who have lost loved ones. The disaster has had a devastating impact on the community, and the tributes are a way of coming together to support each other during this difficult time.
Other Regions
In other regions, the states of emergency have been lifted, and the focus is shifting from emergency response to recovery. The pōtiki District Council will begin a transition period for the next 28 days, moving from an emergency to a recovery focus. The Whakatāne District Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, and Kawerau District Council are no longer under states of local emergency. The Tāmaki-Coromandel District Council has also ended its state of emergency, and the region is moving to a recovery focus. The Bay of Plenty community has shown resilience in the face of the disaster, and the support from other agencies and communities has been invaluable.
Conclusion
The situation in the Bay of Plenty region is still unfolding, and the community is coming together to respond to the crisis. The extensions of the states of emergency in Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councils are a necessary step to ensure the safety of the public and to provide support to those affected by the disaster. The recovery efforts are underway, and the community is showing resilience and support for each other during this difficult time. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed and to follow the instructions of emergency services to ensure public safety.
