By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy Reporting
Thousands of homes remain without power and several major highways are closed across the lower North Island, as emergency crews respond to people stranded on a rural Rangitīkei road.
A state of emergency remains in place for the Manawatū-Whanganui region, with Manawatū, Rangitīkei and Tararua districts declaring local emergencies.
Helicopter deployed to Turakina Valley Rd
Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management group controller Michael McCartney said crews were working with the New Zealand Defence Force to deploy an NH-90 helicopter to Turakina Valley Rd, where people and vehicles are stuck.
“We have worked with New Zealand Defence Force to have an NH-90 dispatched to the area where people and vehicles [are] stuck on Turakina Valley Rd,” McCartney said.
“Our first priority is to establish communication with people in the area before working to evacuate them.”
Rangitīkei District Council is also involved in the operation.
Authorities are urging people not to use Turakina Valley Rd as a detour, warning there are multiple local road closures across the region.
“Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management reiterates our earlier advice to avoid non-essential travel,” McCartney said.
“Conditions are treacherous due to downed trees, landslips and the potential for landslips across the region.”
Major highways closed
State Highway 1 is now closed between Hunterville and Waiouru, while State Highway 4 is closed between Whanganui and Raetihi.
Earlier closures remain in place across the region, including sections of SH3 and SH54, and the Napier-Taihape Road.
Motorists are being asked to avoid non-essential travel, with conditions described as treacherous due to downed trees, landslips and the risk of further slips across the region.
Residents are urged to check routes via the New Zealand Transport Agency Journey Planner before travelling.
Power outages and evacuations
More than 17,000 homes across the region remain without power, including about 7500 in Whanganui.
A total of 37 people have been evacuated from properties at Herbertville on the East Coast and at Saddle Road and River Road in Ashhurst due to rising rivers.
Most waterways across the region appear to have peaked, and heavy rain is beginning to ease, though warnings remain in place until mid-afternoon.
Emergency response continues
An Emergency Operations Centre in Whanganui was stood up overnight and remains staffed, with teams continuing to monitor conditions.
Emergency officials reiterated earlier advice to avoid non-essential travel and to take extreme care.
Flooding impacts may become more apparent as daylight reveals damage and as water moves down from the ranges into catchment areas.
Residents are advised:If in doubt, get out – pre-emptive evacuation is safer than waiting for conditions to worsen.Never walk, swim, play or drive in flood water.If power is lost, unplug major appliances to prevent surge damage and use torches instead of candles.Those reliant on electrically powered medical equipment should call 111 or go to the nearest medical centre if safe to do so.Use radios to stay informed if power or mobile data is limited.
If in immediate danger, call 111. Emergency calls will connect via other available networks, even if a phone displays “No Service”.
Awa FM – Te Reo Irirangi o Whanganui
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