Source: Radio New Zealand
Slash at Tolaga Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. RNZ / Alexa Cook
The mayor of Gisborne says the district’s Civil Defence and emergency services are ready to go ahead of heavy rains forecast for the next 24 hours.
Up to 350mm of rain is expected to fall north of Tolaga Bay overnight.
While nearly 150mm of rain is expected over Gisborne – south of Tolaga Bay – and Hawke’s Bay ahead of 10am Thursday.
Rehette Stoltz said people should avoid any unnecessary travel and be ready for power cuts in the area.
“With the land already so saturated we might see landslips and roads being blocked by trees so please drive the conditions. Also make sure your devices are charged, make sure you’ve got some basics at home if you need to look after yourself or whanau for a day or two,” Stoltz said.
Stoltz said people who were feeling unsafe in their current location should self evacuate if necessary. She said the council was working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), police, ambulance and New Zealand Transport Agency, should the situation escalate.
She urged people to get in touch with Civil Defence or the council if they needed assistance.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz. RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Group controller for Tai Rāwhiti Civil Defence, Ben Green, said extra police and Fire and Emergency (FENZ) staff had been brought into the area.
“Across police additional staff [are] coming in, equipment and capability [have been] deployed supplementing particularly rural areas. FENZ have specialist teams bought in – they’re looking to embed some of those in the coastal areas and that allows us the ability to have a bit of back up if we do start losing access on [State Highway] 35.
“St John – in terms of additional medical support – they’re deploying and putting assets up into the northern area of the [East] Cape there.
“That is very much the main effort and focus for today, and that’s certainly been underway from yesterday as well.”
He said Civil Defence was checking in with campgrounds, particularly in coastal areas, where people from out of town might still be holidaying.
Area manager for Tolaga Bay Civil Defence, Greg Shelton, said if people felt unsafe – particularly those in exposed areas or near the Hikuwai River – they should leave their location ahead of nightfall.
Damage caused by Tologa Bay by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Supplied / Bridget Parker
Shelton said the high amount of rainfall forecast could see the Hikuwai River reaching levels of up to 12m or more.
“All those people now that are exposed or living along the Hikuwai River – even if they have lifted their houses – we encourage them to leave as well because – if the river does reach 12 [metres] plus, we really don’t want to be out there trying to rescue or find people at night-time.”
Shelton said Mangatuna – which lay along SH35 – was of particular risk, but the whole area should prepare for flooding, fallen trees and possible power cuts.
He said preparations had begun shortly after the incoming weather system was identified over a week ago.
He said overnight teams would be put in place and he was confident that the communities in the area – well versed in dealing with adverse weather – had the current situation under control.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
