Northland Floods: Communities Isolated, Warnings Issued

Whangārei, New Zealand – January 28, 2024

northland Communities Isolated as Flooding Intensifies

Severe flooding has cut off access to several communities in Northland, prompting urgent warnings for residents to seek higher ground.

• Flooding across northland has led to widespread disruption and emergency responses.
• Fire and emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is prioritizing life-threatening situations due to the volume of calls.
• A heavy rain warning remains in effect for Northland through midday Sunday.
• Reports of a landslide in Ōakura and a washed-out bridge near whangaruru Harbour have added to the challenges.

Communities in Northland are grappling with significant flooding, leading to isolation and a surge in calls to emergency services. The situation escalated overnight, and authorities are urging those affected to move to higher ground as a precaution. The relentless rain has transformed landscapes,leaving residents scrambling for safety.

Flooding in Mimiwhangata near Whangārei, on Sunday morning.

The flooding began to intensify Saturday evening, fueled by persistent heavy rainfall. Northland experienced a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours in some areas, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rivers to burst thier banks. The hardest-hit areas include Mimiwhangata, Ōakura, and the Whangaruru harbour region. The initial reports of trouble came in around 8 PM Saturday, quickly escalating into a widespread emergency.

Did you know? – Northland’s subtropical climate makes it particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall events, especially during the summer months. The region’s hilly terrain also contributes to rapid runoff and increased flood risk.

Emergency Services Overwhelmed

Just before 9am on Sunday, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) confirmed it was responding to numerous incidents throughout Northland. Resources are stretched thin, and FENZ stated it is currently onyl able to respond to situations posing an immediate threat to life.Plans are underway to reach affected properties, but access remains a major hurdle. FENZ has deployed additional crews from neighboring regions to assist with the response.

Residents in flood-affected areas are advised to prioritize their safety by moving to higher ground.however, FENZ emphasized the importance of calling 111 promptly if facing a life-threatening emergency.

Landslides and Infrastructure Damage

A landslide was reported in the township of Ōakura, though thankfully, no individuals or vehicles were trapped. The impact of the heavy rainfall is also evident in infrastructure damage, with a bridge washed out and multiple houses flooded near Whangaruru Harbour, according to FENZ. The washed-out bridge near Whangaruru Harbour has effectively cut off access for residents in that area, requiring option routes and perhaps delaying emergency assistance.

Pro tip – If you encounter floodwaters,do not attempt to drive or walk through them. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and two feet can sweep a vehicle away.

Rain Warning Remain

A heavy rain warning remains in effect for Northland, valid through midday Sunday. The warning highlights the expectation that rainfall will continue to accumulate, exacerbating the existing flooding conditions.As of 10 AM Sunday, the rain had begun to ease in some areas, but the risk of further flooding remains high due to saturated ground and already swollen rivers.

The situation began to improve around midday Sunday as the heavy rain subsided. While many communities remained isolated due to damaged infrastructure, emergency services were able to begin assessing the full extent of the damage and delivering aid to those in need. FENZ reported a significant decrease in emergency calls by 2 PM, indicating