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There are states of emergency in both Whanganui and the Rangitikei District
Civil Defence are describing the flooding in Whanganui as a “one in 100 year event.”
Homes and business have been inundated, after the city’s river burst its banks last night.
Hundreds of people in Whanganui are spending the night in evacuation centres or with friends and family.
The Whanganui District Council is not expecting anymore flooding, but is still waiting for water to recede from flooded homes.
Whanganui Residents are waiting for clearance to return home.
But St John’s Trudy Taylor says it may be days before that comes.
“If it was just surrounded by water, or [water] threatening [the home] and they’ve evacuated, they may be allowed back in. However, if there’s water gone through the house they definitely will not be allowed back in yet.”
Volunteers have been working around the clock providing food and support to those who may not be able to return home tonight.
Fire station officer Gary Wilson said the river has doubled in width, and nearby streets are now part of it.
“The stop banks on the east side were extended this year, and I think people felt more safe, but it didn’t work out.”
“It’s just sodden, absolutely sodden, and the river is roaring out of it at the moment.”
NZME’s Hits announcer Darryl Mallett is in the city this morning.
“It’s actually scary. There is only one word for it. Lights are out, power is out, the water is lapping at shops.”
Stopbanks on Anzac Parade have been breached, and hundreds of homes have been evacuated.
One big slip came down at Durie Hill, threatening a woman’s home.
Darryl Mallett said told Newstalk ZB, “[I] was there at one o’clock this morning, when the Army was in there waking up an elderly lady who refused to believe her house was right on the edge of a massive slip that came down the hill.”
Emergency managers say the Whanganui River is likely to continue rising in the urban area, but the Matarawa has peaked.
Whanganui east is still cut off from the rest of Whanganui.
Mayor Annette Main says the three bridges across the river in that area are still closed by floodwaters.
The Mangawhero River is being assessed, and it’s possible a slip has dammed the river.
Two welfare centres are operating, but Ross says most people who’ve had to evacuate are staying with family and friends.
Even once the water has gone, Ross admits a lot of people won’t be able to go home until Monday at the earliest, and more likely Tuesday.
Courtesy of newstalkzb.co.nz
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