Source: Radio New Zealand
The Gisborne District Council says flooding and slips have severely impacted Onepoto, Wharekahika and Te Araroa. SUPPLIED
Evacuations are underway on the East Coast in Onepoto and parts of Te Araroa due to landslide risks.
It will involve around 30 houses, with people being relocated to stay with friends, family or someone within the community.
There is no indication on how long people may be out of their homes, or whether they will be able to return.
Tairāwhiti CDEM Group Controller Ben Green said significant landslide risk had been identified, but no geotech assessments had been completed.
“We need to be confident there is no risk to life and until this has been completed, they will not be returning.
“When we visited Te Araroa [on Friday] we saw evidence of landslides in close proximity to houses and the potential risk to life is too great, until we understand what the geotech assessments come back with.”
The evacuations are being led by Police and FENZ, supported by the community civil defence teams.
Mount Maunganui landslide
Remains of victims have been found at a campground in Mount Maunganui overnight.
Six people have been unaccounted for since Thursday, police released their names on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services are moving to a recovery phase, from a rescue operation.
The remains are now in custody of the coroner.
They will be transported to a mortuary in Hamilton.
Severe weather watches for South
Strong winds and persistent rain are forecast to hit the lower South Island, with watches in place until Sunday.
Otago south of Alexandra, Oamaru and mainland Southland are under a heavy rain watch, while Coastal Otago, Southland from Dunedin to Bluff and Stewart Island are all under a strong wind watch.
MetService said winds could approach severe gale in exposed places
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
