By Moana Ellis, Local Democracy Reporting
Ruapehu District Council has partially activated its Emergency Operations Centre after torrential rain cut off communities, forced evacuation and closed key highways.
What was expected to be a short-lived weather system intensified overnight, bringing heavier and more persistent rainfall than forecast, particularly across northern Ruapehu, where emergency services were at mid-day still responding to flooding, slips and isolation in several settlements.
Police and other response agencies were operating from the Ruapehu Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Taumarunui, which is activated at Level 2.
Civil Defence controller Clive Manley said the rain front had proved “more severe than anticipated”, with rainfall continuing to build over the northern area.
“Council contractors are working hard to clear multiple slips on the local road network, and NZTA are dealing with significant slips on State Highways,” Manley said.
“People are asked to avoid unnecessary travel until the weather system has passed through.”
Communities isolated, family evacuated
At mid-day Ohura, Matiere and Tokorima were cut off by slips and flooding, with several local access roads closed.
The Mangaroa Stream near Ohura was continuing to rise, threatening homes. Civil Defence was in contact with emergency services in the township, who said the situation is under control.
In Matiere, one family self-evacuated due to the rising Ohura Stream. They were being cared for by locals at the Cosmopolitan Club.
The council said that while some water treatment plants had paused operations due to high river turbidity, there was no issue with supply, as local reservoirs were meeting demand.
Highways severed by slips
NZTA reported major slips on several State Highways. At mid-day:
– SH4 was closed north of Taumarunui, cutting access to Te Kuiti.
– SH30 between Kopaki and Bennydale was closed.
– SH3 between Mokau and Piopio was closed.
– SH43 between Taumarunui and Whangamomona was also closed.
Locally, Ohura Road, Mangapapa Road, Ongarue Waimiha Road, Kawautahi Road, and Hohotaka Road (to heavy vehicles) were shut. Council was liaising with New Plymouth District Council to close Waitaangas Road.
More rain expected
Regional Civil Defence headquarters in Palmerston North advised that heavy rain was expected to ease through the morning as the weather system swings to a southerly direction.
While the change was expected to reduce rainfall intensity overall, it could bring brief but heavy localised downpours of up to 20 millimetres, leading to further flooding and ponding.
There was still potential for localised heavy bursts this afternoon, Manley said.
He advised people to stay off the roads where possible, check conditions before travelling, and report any new issues to council.
National support standing by
Ruapehu Civil Defence is being supported by the regional headquarters in Palmerston North, including additional staff deployed to Taumarunui.
Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has been in contact with Manley and offered Government support if needed.
No problems are expected from heavy rain from around the Ongarue river catchment flowing into the Whanganui River.
Residents urged to stay alert
Civil Defence was urging residents to remain cautious as rivers continued to rise and the saturated ground increased the risk of further slips.
“If travel is necessary, check with NZTA Journey Planner, take extreme care and watch for surface flooding, debris, and changing conditions,” Manley said.
Local issues should be reported to Ruapehu District Council on 07 895 8188.
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