Among key priorities for the region today is restoration of critical services – power, water and sewerage – and securing road access to a number of areas in both Districts still isolated by flooding and slips.
Graeme MacDonald, Manager of the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s Emergency Operating Centre in Whangarei, says support will also continue to be provided to flood-affected people in welfare centres.
Mr MacDonald says despite the likely millions of dollars damage caused by the record-breaking rain, at this stage Police are not aware of any deaths or injuries as a result.
He says this morning’s aerial survey will involve helicopter sweeps over the Paihia, Opua and Kerikeri areas in the Far North and over east coast settlements and the Hikurangi Swamp area in the Whangarei District. “This will enable local authorities to gain an overview of damage to roading and other infrastructure and prioritise their responses.”
Mr MacDonald says while the immediate threats to people from the storm appear to be over, concerns remain about the stability of a number of properties and also about the health implications from potentially sewage-contaminated floodwaters.
He reiterated earlier warnings from health officials about the health risks from contact with floodwaters, especially if there is the possibility they have been contaminated with sewage. Parents are being urged not to let children play in floodwaters.
People coming into contact with floodwaters should wash their hands often and avoid eating or smoking in contaminated areas.
“Wear rubber gloves and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling contaminated material. Anyone who receives a puncture wound, or suffers are other injury where skin is damaged, should see a doctor as soon as possible.”
Mr MacDonald says while District Council staff are dealing with roading problems throughout the region, anyone with concerns about drifting boats or any other navigational hazards in the region’s harbours should contact the Regional Council’s 24/7 Environmental Hotline 0800 504 639.
Meanwhile, the Northland Regional Council has released new figures detailing rainfall for the period from midnight on Wednesday to 6.30am today.
Location
|
Total mm
|
East Whangarei (Glenbervie Hills)
|
438.5 |
|
Puhipuhi Hills
|
436 |
Western Hills Kerikeri (Maungaparerua)
|
404.5
|
Oakura Bay
|
371 |
| Tara (Mangawhai) |
340.5
|
| Kaeo |
322
|
Marsden Point (Port)
|
295
|
Whangarei City
|
270.5 |
Ohaeawai
|
263.5
|
North Brynderwyn Hills
|
234
|
East Mangamuka (Mangakawakawa)
|
164.5 |
| Tutamoe |
155.5
|
Maungaturoto
|
152 |
Opouteke (Eastern Tutamoe)
|
142
|
Twin Bridges
|
120 |
Paparoa
|
115
|
West Mangamuka (Te Rore)
|
91.5
|
Opononi
|
80.5
|
| Kaitaia |
79.5
|
North Hokianga (Rotokakahi)
|
71.5
|
Dargaville
|
62
|
Pouto Point
|
40
|
MacDonald says up-to-date information about the situation in Northland continues to be published on the Northland Regional Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz The site includes details about flooding, road and school closures, and rainfall data.