Flooding Forces Evacuations, Road Closures in Tai Rāwhiti
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Eighty people are sheltering at a school in Tai Rāwhiti after torrential rain caused widespread flooding and road closures across the region.
- Heavy rain is causing flooding, slips, and downed trees.
- State Highway 35 is closed between Wainui Beach and Tolaga bay.
- Approximately 80 evacuees, including travelers and campers, are staying at Tolaga Bay Area School.
- Civil Defense is monitoring the Taruheru River in Gisborne City.
Tolaga Bay is grappling with significant flooding as heavy rain continues to batter the Tai Rāwhiti region, forcing approximately 80 people to spend the night at Tolaga Bay Area School, which has been activated as a Civil defence base. The relentless downpour has created treacherous conditions, leading to the closure of State Highway 35 between Wainui Beach and Tolaga Bay due to surface flooding, slips, and fallen trees.
Travellers and Campers Seek Shelter
Ūawa deputy Civil Defence officer Nori Parata described the rain as “pretty torrential,” explaining the need to open the school as a shelter. “we had to open up the base because there are a number of travellers that had got caught with the road closure,and also didn’t have appropriate vehicles for that kind of situation,” Parata said. The evacuation also included people camping at the Tolaga Bay Holiday Park.
“But equally we also had the holiday camp needed to evacuate people that were camping in tents down there. So I think we’ve got about 80 people in our gym between the travellers and the campers.”
Evacuees are being provided with ample supplies, including mattresses, kai, and other essential provisions. “We’re set up to cater in thes emergencies. This is not our frist rodeo,” Parata assured.
Wharf Bridge Deemed Risky
Civil Defence officials warned residents to stay home and off the roads,particularly near the wharf bridge,which was reported to be “underwater and dangerous.” A social media post from Civil Defence urged the public: “Do not go near it or try to cross. Please stay home, stay off the roads, and keep yourself safe.”
Storms Ease, Warnings Remain
The MetService lifted the thunderstorm warning for the Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay areas just before 9:30 p.m. Though, they cautioned that a few thunderstorms were still possible, bringing localized heavy rain. Orange heavy rain warnings remained in effect for the Wairoa district until 3 a.m. on sunday and for Tairāwhiti until 8 a.m.
Gisborne Residents Urged to Prepare
In Gisborne City, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence is closely monitoring the Taruheru River. Emergency management controller Ben Green stated that the river was at 4.26m at 11 p.m., with a level of concern at 4.5m. “What we’re asking people to do is adopt a ‘be prepared’ and cautious approach to really monitoring the river,” green said in a video message.
“If you haven’t already done so, check in with your neighbours. Make sure that they’re aware of what the current situation is. In the worst case if you do feel unsafe then, certainly, proactively evacuate if you are uncomfortable with that situation.”
fire and Emergency personnel are informing residents on Fergusson Drive and other low-lying streets. Residents can sign up for flood warning alerts through the Gisborne District Council website.
