 |
|
|
|
|
Media Releases |
Friday 9 December 2011, 3pm
Earthquake Memories for Survivors Afternoon Tea
Plans are well underway for the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake survivor’s morning tea to be held again next year on Sunday 12 February 2012.
In the last few years, the event has become more popular as survivors of the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake have taken time to commemorate this dramatic event in their lives.
The afternoon tea will again be at Napier Boys High, starting at 2pm with doors open at 1.15pm.
The afternoon tea has some traditions including musical entertainment, a guest speaker on the history of the earthquake, and the cutting of the Mayor’s cake by the oldest and youngest survivors, before afternoon tea is served.
At next year’s event, there will be an opportunity for guests to meet up with people from their old neighbourhoods.
The event is organised by Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group with Napier City Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council as key organisers. Napier Boys High provides the venue and assistance and Red Cross and Art Deco Trust assist with registrations and afternoon tea.
The Hawke’s Bay Earthquake occurred on 3 February 1931 at 10.47 am. It was measured at 7.8 M on the Richter scale and was centred north of Napier. The quake lasted over 2 minutes and levelled churches, schools, offices and homes, and in Napier was followed by a fire that destroyed most of the central downtown area. 256 people died as a result of this event.
Thursday 10 November 2011, 5pm
Civil Defence exercise a great opportunity to test systems
The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management team took part in a Pacific-wide tsunami exercise today along with similar emergency management groups from around the Pacific.
For New Zealand Exercise Pacific Wave 2011 focussed on a regional source tsunami originating in Vanuatu. While this scenario affected the west and east coasts of New Zealand to varying degrees, the larger impacts were on the West Coast.
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager Ian Macdonald says the scenario posed no risk to the region however it was a great opportunity to test communication systems between the various organisations involved.
Ian Macdonald says the exercise may prompt locals to think about their potential risk from tsunami and how they can prepare if disaster strikes. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has developed tsunami hazard maps which highlight the level of risk from tsunami for different areas of the region and he encourages people to visit the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management website – www.hbemergency.govt.nz .
Ian Macdonald says the latest mapping was completed in August. At that time there was a lot of information in local papers, so there is plenty of new information for the public to digest.
He says in a real civil defence emergency people are encouraged to listen to the radio and if they have access to a computer the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management website would provide valuable regularly updated information as well.
Thursday 10 November 2011, 11.30am
Public encouraged to view tsunami hazards maps online
Hawke’s Bay people are being encouraged to view the latest tsunami hazard maps on the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management website to help them prepare for a potential large tsunami.
The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management team is taking part in a Pacific-wide tsunami exercise today with similar emergency management groups from around the Pacific for Exercise Pacific Wave 2011. The New Zealand component of the exercise will focus on a regional source tsunami originating in Vanuatu. This scenario will affect the west and east coasts of New Zealand to varying degrees, with the larger impacts on the West Coast.
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager Ian Macdonald says the exercise may prompt locals to think about their potential risk from tsunami and how they can prepare if a tsunami strikes. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has developed tsunami hazard maps which highlight the level of risk from tsunami for different areas of the region and he encourages people to visit the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management website – www.hbemergency.govt.nz .
Ian Macdonald says the latest mapping was completed in August so there is plenty of new information for the public to digest.
He says in a real civil defence emergency people are encouraged to listen to the radio and if they have access to a computer the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management website would provide valuable regularly updated information as well.
Thursday 10 November 2011, 11.20am
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence team part of International exercise
The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is taking part in a Pacific-wide tsunami exercise today.
The team will join similar emergency management groups around the Pacific for Exercise Pacific Wave 2011.
The New Zealand component of the exercise will focus on a regional source tsunami originating in Vanuatu. While this scenario will affect the west and east coasts of New Zealand to varying degrees, the scenario has larger impacts to occur on the West Coast.
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Manager Ian Macdonald says during the last two years there have been several real tsunami and a number of exercises the team has responded to which has provided them with valuable experience that will be put to the test again today.
He says they will use the exercise to confirm communication systems in the new Hawke’s Bay Group Emergency Co-ordination Centre in Hastings.
Tuesday 16 April 2011, 4.05pm
New Group Manager for Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence
A new Group Manager for the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management office has been appointed. Ian Macdonald will take up this newly created role and will also serve as the primary Group Controller in a regional scale event.
Hawke’s Bay has been working towards strengthening its Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group office over the past six months, and this appointment is a major step forward.
Ian will start in his new role in 5 September 2011 and will be based at Hawke’s Bay Regional Council for initially, before transferring to the dedicated emergency management centre located in Hastings which will house the regional civil defence group office.
Ian has been a manager at Hastings District Council for a number of years in land use planning and more recently, for strategic and community planning projects. During his time with the Hastings District Council, Ian has been involved in the management of a number of emergencies. Most recently he spent two weeks as part of the response and recovery operations related to the heavy rain event that devastated the Hawke’s Bay coast after Easter 2011.
Ian is also active as a member of the NZ Army Reserve (Territorial Force) and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel being posted to Army General Staff, Wellington where he is responsible for the selection and career management of army reserve officers. As well as having a number of command appointments, he has attended and instructed at military staff colleges in New Zealand and Canada and has experience in training and exercise development. He also deployed to the Middle East for 12 months where he served with the United Nations in Israel, Syria and South Lebanon.
Thursday 7 July 2011, 9.25am
Tsunami Warning Cancelled
The tsunami warning has been cancelled for New Zealand. A marine threat warning is still in place.
A tsunami alert was issued earlier this morning following a large earthquake in the Kermadec Islands north of New Zealand.
Around a 20cm surge is now predicted.
Some currents and unusual tidal action may still occur in coastal areas for the next 48 hours.
People are still strongly advised to stay away from the coast as a precautionary measure.
The Regional Council is keeping recreational boat ramps in Napier’s Inner Harbour closed until further notice.
The Harbourmaster is monitoring the situation for commercial shipping at the Port of Napier and at sea.
The Regional Emergency Operations Centre will remain on watch.
Thursday 7 July 2011, 8.45am
Tsunami Alert for Hawke's Bay
A tsunami warning has been issued for Hawke’s Bay and the East Coast which may affect coastal areas.
Strong currents and unusual tidal action is expected. A ‘wall of water’ is not expected but the tsunami effect could be up to 1 metre or higher.
The tsunami is expected soon after 9 am.
People are strongly advised to stay away from the coast.
Boaties with boats in the inner harbour are advised to check moorings and take any precautions necessary. Boat ramps in Napier’s inner harbour are closed. The Regional Council is also liaising with Coastguard to contact any vessels off the coast of Hawke’s Bay.
The Port of Napier is being alerted about the situation. Harbourmaster is requesting that commercial shipping leave the port.
The Regional Emergency Operations Centre is activated.
Thursday 12 May 2011
Still danger at Central Hawke’s Bay beaches
Dead stock and unstable slips are just two reasons to be very careful when accessing Central Hawke’s Bay beaches especially Pourerere, Aramoana, Parimahu and Blackhead beaches after the recent major flood event.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Emergency Management Officer, Bruce Kitto, said that people were trying to go for walks or attempting to take their vehicles along the beaches which could be very dangerous.
“We can’t stop people from going to these beaches, however, there are unstable slips to negotiate, dead stock, and piles of driftwood which pose a hazard. We’re worried that people may get caught in unfamiliar surroundings and stranded by incoming tides or land movement. We’re advising people to just keep clear of those places until things are safe.”
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has been working with the East Coast Rural Support Trust, MAF, Ministry of Social Development, and HB Regional Council to support the people hardest-hit in the floods.
A Central Hawke’s Bay Mayoral Relief Fund has been set up and donations may be made by contacting Council on 06 857 8060.
Farmer support Information: East Coast Rural Support Trust
Mike Barham md.ee.barham@xtra.co.nz
Mobile: 027 582 8443
Landline: (06) 877 3930
General Support Information:
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council 06 857 8060
Victim Support 8589 140 (Waipukurau Police) or 0800 842 846
Work & Income New Zealand – 0800 559 009
EQC – 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243)
Saturday 30 April 2011 6:41pm
WAIROA TOWNSHIP WATER SUPPLY
No Returning to School on Monday for Wairoa Township Pupils
Wairoa District Council has advised the Ministry for Educationthat due to the water supply problems that are currently being experienced, schools in the Wairoa township will need to closed.
So there is no returning to school on Monday for Wairoa township pupils – this also applies to kohanga reos, kura kaupapa, kindergartens and childcare centres.
People heading back to work on Monday in the township will also be affected by the loss of water supply.
Wairoa District Council engineers and contractors arecontinuing to work on the pipeline and temporary arrangements are in place to continue supply to householdsuntil the pipeline is fixed.
Council would like people to continue to conserve water, avoid unnecessary ablutions, doing the laundry, putting on the dishwasher and consider their home water storage options.
Sunday Water Supply Arrangements for Wairoa Residents
For Sunday 1 May 2011 water will be pumped into the township supply network to allow residents to replenish household water stores and carry out general household tasks at the following approximate times.
- Sunday morning – between 7am and 9am
- Sunday morning – between noon and 1pm (this will rely on replenishment of the boundary tanks)
- Sunday evening – between 6pm and 8pm
A water tanker will be based at the Clyde Hotel carpark on Queen Street for residents wanting to top up their household water supplies as the following times:
- Sunday morning – from 10am to 12noon
- Sunday afternoon – from 3pm and 5pm
Since the tanker can carry only a set amount of water, Council advises that rationing of no more than 20 litres per person will be allowed.
Council would still like people to continue to conserve water, avoid unnecessary ablutions, doing the laundry, putting on the dishwasher and consider their home water storage options.
Portaloos have also been placed outside the public toilets at Clyde Court and River Parade west for general use.
In the meantime, Council engineers and contractors are continuing to work on the break in the pipeline
Wairoa Residents Urged to Switch Off Hot Water Cylinders
Wairoa District Council is advising people to switch off hot water cylinders to avoid burning out the heater.
For residents who have a header tank in the roof – there is no issue.
For residents who have NO header tank in the roof, SWITCH OFF the hot water cylinder as there may not be water in the cylinder and there is a possibility that the element may be burned out.
For more information phone Wairoa District Council on 838-7309.
Saturday, 30 April 2011 1:00pm
Work Continuing on Fixing Wairoa Township Water Supply Pipe
Wairoa township is experiencing a loss in water supply due to a break in the main pipeline cause by a severe slip.
Wairoa District Council engineers and contractors arecontinuing to work on fixing the damage to pipeline. Wairoa District Council is currently arranging for tankers to replenish water tank supplies.
There is sufficient storage within township water tanks but households and businesses will be experiencing a significant loss in pressure with many households experiencing a complete loss of water.
There is likely to be ongoing issues with the water supply until further notice.
Wairoa District Council is advising people to converse water,avoid unnecessary ablutions, doing the laundry, putting on the dishwasher and consider their home water storage options.
For more information phone Wairoa District Council on 838-7309.
Keep listening to this radio station for further announcements.
USEFUL LINKS
http://www.getthru.govt.nz
Saturday 30 April 2011 9:17am
Damage to Wairoa Township Water Main
Residents of Wairoa are asked to conserve as water as they can after damage to the towns water main early this morning.
Wairoa District Council staff are working to establish a replacement water supply.
People should take all steps for water hygiene, including boiling water if they have any concerns. There will be an update soon.
Friday 29 April 2011 5:00pm
Recovery Activities under way in Hawke’s Bay
After a battering from the rain bomb earlier this week, attention has now turned from initial response to recovery in the coastal areas of Central Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa and Hastings Districts.
Recovery managers have been appointed for Central Hawke’s Bay, Wairoa and Hastings Districts. The State of Emergency declared in Central Hawke’s Bay on Thursday morning was being reviewed at 4.30pm this afternoon. The role of recovery managers will be to prioritise and work through recovery issues including operational challenges, the people and equipment required to fix roading and access, infrastructure, services and utilities.
No further weather alerts have been issued by MetService although occasional showers are possible over the next couple of days.
Coastal roads in that area are still under mud, slips and water. Many slips remain fluid including some near private residences and other buildings. All coastal communities have some form of vehicular access, except Aramoana Beach. The only people remaining in coastal communities are those permanent residents who don’t require evacuation.
Power has been restored to all coastal communities, however the Waimarama power supply will be shut down from 0930am until approximately 12.00 midday on Saturday.
A ‘boil water’ notice remains in place for people at Waimarama.
People travelling in Hawke’s Bay, particularly near coastal areas should watch for greasy or uneven roads, and allow extra time given the repairs that are under way.
Health advice can be gained from either the www.hbemergency.govt.nz or www.hawkesbaydhb.govt.nz websites.
ROADS
Wairoa
- SH2 Napier-Wairoa - Open with extreme caution
- Roads closed at this stage are:
- Kopuawhara Road
- Nuhaka - Opoutama Road and Blacks Beach (one lane only with delays)
- Kinikini Road (Open to 4WDs)
- Mahia East Coast Road at Burma Hill (open to 4WDs)
- Mangaone Road
- Nuhaka River Road
- Hereheretau Road at fords
- Mangapoike Road at 7.5km
- Kokohu Road
- Waiatai Road
- Tunanui Road (open to 4WDs)
- Maromauku Road
Napier City
- No issues
Hastings District
- Ocean Beach Road: Cleared , but still closed until washed of silt tomorrow morning. Restricted access from afternoon Saturday 30 April. Extreme caution necessary
- Waimarama Road: Temporary bridge in place. Road has been reopened for residents and emergency service vehicles. Road is singe lane in many parts and slippery. Extreme caution necessary. Te Apiti road closed.
- Maraetotara Road: Road has been reopened for residents and emergency service vehicles. Road is singe lane in many parts and slippery. Extreme caution necessary.
- Te Apiti Road: closed due to slips. Contractors started clearing slips. Expect to open to limited access for residents and emergency services midday Saturday [30 April]
- Waitangi Road: Closed other than first 500 metres.
- All other council roads are open but many are single lane with slips and subsidence. In particular extreme caution on Waipatiki, Tangoio and Aroapaonui Roads
- The camping grounds at Clifton and Te Awanga are closed and unlikely to be reopened for some time.
Central Hawke’s Bay
- Manned roadblocks are in place to Kairakau, Pourerere, Blackhead and Mangakuri Beaches.
- Entry through roadblocks is by written permission from CHB Controller only until further notice, due to safety issues with partially cleared roads and unstable land behind many coastal communities.
Thursday 28 April 2011, 11:43am
Rain Easing but Emergency still in place
A state of emergency was declared in Central Hawke’s Bay District at 7.30 this morning due to the severe impacts of flooding over the past two days in the coastal communities of Central Hawke’s Bay.
The response efforts are being lead by Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Civil Defence in conjunction with Emergency Services. The Hawke’s Bay Group Emergency Centre has been activated in support, with further support from the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington.
Heavy rain warnings have been lifted for Hawke’s Bay. From 9am Thursday to 9am Friday the rain is forecast to clear in southern coastal areas. Between 25-40mm of rain is expected from Napier northwards during this period. With these low intensities river levels will continue to recede. Weather conditions for the weekend are expected to be cloudy with occasional showers.
The emphasis now is on recovery. The southern coastal communities of Central Hawke’s Bay have been the most seriously affected areas with multiple road closures and extensive damage caused by river flooding. An aerial assessment of the situation from Kairakau to Blackhead has been taking place on Thursday morning.
In other areas of Hawke’s Bay the Hastings District and Napier City Councils are dealing with the weather-related situations within their areas. Overnight a large slip on Breakwater Road, Napier required the evacuation of 18 homes with 5 people using the welfare centre. The New Zealand Transport Agency is working to clear the slip.
There are also significant impacts on the coastal communities of Waimarama and Ocean Beach, with roads, bridges, water supplies, power and telecommunications affected. Telecom have advised that services to 206 customers in Waimarama have been disrupted. This includes access to 111 emergency services as well as normal services. There is also significant impact on private property including farms and farm fences. Now that the rain has stopped, efforts are underway to restore road links, water and other infrastructure. Appropriate assistance to the community, including the farming community, is also being investigated.
A fatal road crash has closed SH2 south of Waipukurau until around midday when police complete their investigations. Detours are in place.
Thursday 28 April 2011, 9:03am
State of Emergency in Central Hawke’s Bay
A state of local emergency was declared for Central Hawke’s Bay District at 7.30 this morning due to the severe impacts of flooding over the past two days in the coastal communities of Central Hawke’s Bay.
The Hawke’s Bay Group Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (CDEM) has been activated to support Central Hawke’s Bay, particularly in the areas of welfare, media support and planning. The National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington has also activated in support of the Hawke’s Bay region.
A situation update will be available at 10am.
Wednesday 27 April 2011, 5:35pm
The Big Wet Continues for Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is well and truly wet, but the Regional Council advises there is still more rain to fall over the coming days.
Coastal areas have been particularly hard hit, with evacuations from Nuhaka, Te Awanga, Ocean Beach, Clifton and Waimarama. Some bridges are under water or washed out along with slips and surface flooding in many places.
Council staff will be working through the night monitoring the situation, also manning fixed and mobile pumps, with a digger and truck on call if required. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Emergency Operations Centre is active, as are those of Hastings District and Central Hawke’s Bay. Other councils are active and monitoring the situation should it change.
From 6.00pm Wednesday to midday Thursday, expect continued rainfall throughout Hawke’s Bay with up to another 70mm in the coastal communities south of Cape Kidnappers; up to another 40mm inland in Central Hawke’s Bay; and up to another 100mm in the Wairoa catchment. Although there have been no swell warnings issued, the significant wave height is currently 3.7m (Port of Napier), with a period of 10 seconds. This has the potential to cause damage to exposed coastal locations.
Depending on rainfall levels, minor streams and tributaries will rise and fall quickly. However the region’s main rivers are not expected to pose a problem.
People in affected areas should stay at home where possible, avoid unnecessary travel and be wary of possible soil movement and further slips.
POWER & WATER
- Waimarama power out overnight; water treatment plant also without power.
- Known power outages at Kairakau, Mangakuri, Southern Pourerere Beach, Aramoana, and Blackhead.
ROAD CLOSURES & ACCESS
WAIROA DISTRICT
- State Highways north and south (SH2 and SH38) have been reopened.
- SH2 Wairoa to Gisborne has been open all day there may be patches of silt/debris where there has been surface flooding.
HASTINGS DISTRICT
- SH5 Napier to Taupo remains open
- SH2 Napier to Wairoa is open - two lanes have been restored, worst affected areas are White Pine Bush/Devils Elbow area. Roads are likely to be slippery, expect areas of surface water
- Ocean Beach Road marginal access (slip)– closed overnight.
- Clifton Bridge, Te Awanga closed, camping ground isolated
- Waimarama Road closed due to slip and bridge approach washout.
- Maraetotara Road closed
NAPIER
- Surface flooding across Napier with substantial ponding at Bay View
- No issues with access, although some slips and debris around Napier Hill - barriers are in place where needed.
CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
There is currently no road access to the coastal communities of:
- Kairakau
- Mangakuri
- Pourerere
- Aramoana
- Blackhead
- Te Paerahi
- Porangahau
- Whangaehu
And the inland communities of:
- Omakere
- Elsthorpe
- Long Range
Wednesday 27 April 2011, 1:08pm
Continuing Wet Weather Challenges Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Group is carefully monitoring the significant rainfall that the region is still experiencing.
From Nuhaka to Porangahau, 14 coastal communities have been adversely affected by heavy continuing rainfall which has created surface flooding and slips, closing a number of rural access roads within the region and State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa.
Rainfall ranges from a ‘1 in 5 year’ to over a ‘1 in 100 year’ event. The high tide passed at 12.45pm today with ocean swells of between two to three metres.
Most of the current concern is with smaller streams and tributaries, which have the ability to rise and fall very quickly. The region’s main rivers are all contained and are expected to remain contained. However, Metservice predict an additional 100 – 150 mm rain near the ranges and coastal hills of Hawke’s Bay through to Wednesday evening, which is likely to cause the rivers to rise again.
The soil is now water-saturated and people should keep an eye on areas that may pose a landslide risk.
Emergency Operations Centres throughout the region are already dealing with or ready to assist with evacuation and welfare needs.
EVACUATIONS
- Clifton & Te Awanga – 61 people were evacuated
- Waimarama – 25 people were evacuated
- Ocean Beach – 15 people were evacuated
- Nuhaka – 4 displaced people were relocated
FIRE/ AMBULANCE
- Dealing with multiple road closures, flood and slip events but within current capabilities.
FLOODING SUMMARY
Most of Hawke’s Bay region has received between 30mm and 200mm of rain in the past 24 hours with the area north of Nuhaka in the Wairoa District receiving just over 207mm in 24 hours.
- Mahia: Kopuawhara Stream reached its 50yr peak overnight - widespread flooding on the lower flats occurred in the Mahia isthmus.
- Nuhaka: very high river levels on the Nuhaka and Tunanui Rivers.
- Whakaki: local flooding from debris build-up on bridge at Te Ramarama Stream.
- Wairoa: Wairoa River peaked just above 5yr level overnight - no reports of significant problems.
- Mohaka to Esk: no reports of problems.
- Bay View: reports of surface flooding on Rogers Road.
- Napier: Reports of minor surface flooding in many parts of city.
- Meeanee: Waitangi Stream overflowing near McLeod Road.
- Clive: East Clive reports of surface flooding.
- Haumoana: Hastings District Council addressing any issues.
- Te Awanga: Maraetotara River over-topped right bank upstream of Clifton Road bridge - water flowing over farmland; flooding in Te Awanga along Kuku, Pipi, Leyland Roads; water flowing down into campground - several houses and campers evacuated.
- Waimarama: Puhokio Stream over-topped its banks and flooded several houses in the early morning - 20 people evacuated to Waimarama Fire Station.
- Pourerere: Reports of flooding through houses - self evacuating.
NAPIER CITY – ACCESS
- Widespread rural ponding at Bay View, but otherwise no access issues
HASTINGS DISTRICT - ACCESS
- Ocean Beach Road closed – due to slip Ocean Beach settlement isolated
- Ellis Wallace Road Bridge closed
- SH2 Flooding closed at Whirinaki. Flooding at Pan Pac Mill.
- Bridge Aropaonui Beach
- Waipatiki Beach Road closed due to slips. Settlement isolated.
- Tangoio Settlement Road closed due to slips
- Pakuratahi Road closed due to slip
- Clifton Bridge, Te Awanga closed, camping ground isolated
- Tukituki Road closed due to slip
- Waimarama Road closed due to slip
- Okaihau Road – slips.
- Te Apiti Road – unable to access past Brightwells.
- Tia Kitai Road – unable to access.
- 32 Cedar Road.
- Maraetotara Road – bridge at top is submerged. Slips between water tank to creek. Creek flooded.
- Slip on Hedgeley Road – just passable. 2 Slips within 200m of State Highway 5 - not passable by car.
- Airini Road. Bridge at ramp abutments washed away; power poles down.
- Black Bridge – Possible issue; Police to investigate.
- Middle Road Havelock North - tree blocking road
WAIROA DISTRICT - ACCESS
- Wairoa Airport has closed due to surface flooding
[the following roads are closed due to surface flooding]
- SH2 south of Wairoa closed until further notice
- Kiwi Road at SH2 and SH38 intersections
- SH38 near Ohuka / Ardkeen
- SH38 at Clifton Lyall Road
- Mangapoike Road – SH38 end
- Kokohu Road
- Kotare Road
- Nuhaka River Road
- SH38/ Frasertown Road – between Wairoa to Frasertown
- Kaiwaitau/ Keil Road
CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY - ACCESS
There is limited access to the following coastal communities:
- Kairakau
- Mangakuri
- Pourerere
- Aramoana
- Blackhead
- Te Paerahi
- Porangahau
- Whangaehu
Wednesday 27 April 2011, 9:32am
Continuing Wet Weather Challenges Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Group has the picture of continuing rainfall, waterlogged groundwater and rising river levels.
Most of Hawke’s Bay region has received between 30mm and 200mm of rain in the past 24 hours with the area north of Nuhaka in the Wairoa District receiving just over 207mm in 24 hours. A possible 80-120 mm of rain may fall over the next 24 hour period and a high tide due at 1.00pm is creating some concern for those living near the coast and coastal rivers. Rivers are expected to remain at their higher than normal levels until late Thursday/early Friday.
After rainfall which continued through the night, surface flooding has been widely reported and 45 people evacuated from flooded properties at Te Awanga and Waimarama. The Hastings Disctrict Council Emergency Operations Centre activation at 7.00am this morning; the Regional Council Emergency Operations Centre has also activated.
Rain is still falling and may continue at the rate of 15-20mm per hour. Pumping stations are all operating effectively and mobile pumps are being moved to areas of greatest need. Overland drains are full and while the region’s Councils don’t anticipate severe urban flooding, localised flooding is occurring in low-lying, coastal and rural areas and is likely to continue until the rain stops. Surface flooding has been reported across Napier, in Bayview, Pourerere and Kairakau with more severe flooding in Wairoa and isolation for the community at Nuhaka.
Anyone with concerns for their property should contact their local council, who can provide advice and assistance if required.
Most of the region’s major roads are currently open, with the exception of the State Highway 2 [Napier-Wairoa] Road, and access towards Waimarama across the Maraetotara Road bridge. Other remote bridges to the north and in central Hawke’s Bay are likely underwater.
People who are concerned should listen to the television or radio for updates and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly into flooded areas.
The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Group is actively monitoring the situation and will advise updates as appropriate.
KNOWN ROAD CLOSURES & ACCESS
Ocean Beach Road closed – due to slip Ocean Beach settlement isolated
Ellis Wallace Road Bridge closed
SH2 Flooding closed at Whirinaki
Bridge Aropaonui Beach
Waipatiki Beach Road closed due to slips
Waipataiki Beach settlement isolated
Tangoio Settlement Road closed due to slips
Pakuratahi Road closed due to slip
Clifton Bridge, Te Awanga closed, camping ground isolated
Tukituki Road closed due to slip
Waimarama Road closed due to slip
Okaihau Road – slips
Te Apiti Road – unable to access past Brightwells
Tia Kitai Road – unable to access
Hiranui
Pourerere
Elsthorpe
Bush Road
Moutere
Long Range
Blackhead
Pourerere Beach
Mangakuri
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Wet Weather across Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council advises people that it’s going to stay wet for the rest of the week.
The region is currently experiencing pockets of heavy rain, up to 30mm an hour, which may cause localised surface flooding.
River levels will rise as the volume of water flows out from the ranges.
Gusts of wind may also damage trees and power lines, and could make driving hazardous, so keep up to date on the weather and avoid unnecessary travel.
The Regional Council continues to monitor the situation and will advise updates as and when the situation changes.
Wednesday 30 March 2011
New emergency siren for coastal communities - Hastings District Council
A new Civil Defence emergency warning system is to be trialled again in the coastal communities of Haumoana, Te Awanga and Clifton this Sunday.
In the event of an emergency, vehicles would be equipped with a siren and loud speakers and travel around the roads of the communities, broadcasting the Civil Defence sting followed by a voice message.
Civil Defence Controller Mike Maguire says “the new warning system has been developed after the communities approached Council over concerns about receiving warnings of an impending tsunami”.
“ A system was borrowed from the Wellington City Council in September last year for a test at Haumoana school and the information obtained from that exercise has been used in the design of the local unit” Mr Maguire says.
“The new portable system is to undergo further testing outdoors, between 11am and 1pm on Sunday April 3rd with the sting and voice message expected to be heard at a range of 300 metres from the vehicle”.
Mike Maguire says “mobile systems are more cost effective, as they are cheaper to establish and have low ongoing maintenance costs, compared to fixed installations which are exposed to the elements. A voice message combined with a siren tone also caters for visitors to the area, where fixed tone siren only systems do not”.
Once the effectiveness of the new warning system has been determined, more systems are expected to be built, giving greater coverage around the Hastings district.
Civil Defence wants residents in the coastal communities to report on the effectiveness of the warning system following the test on Sunday, by going to www.hastingsdc.govt.nz and following the Civil Defence link, or by filling out and returning the leaflet which was placed in letterboxes.
Friday 25 February 2011
Siren test timely after recent devastation
The devastation in Canterbury and Japan is a morbid reminder to be as prepared as possible for a natural disaster – after all, it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.
It is timely then, that Napier Civil Defence has once again teamed up with the New Zealand Fire Service to test the city’s 16 sirens on Sunday, April 3, (daylight saving weekend) – the same time people are urged to check their smoke alarm batteries and emergency survival kits, change their stored water and of course change their clocks.
The sirens will sound (turn on and off) at 12-noon for approximately five minutes. Upon hearing the siren, turn your radios on and listen to a Hawke’s Bay Radio Station (i.e. Classic Hits 89.5FM, 92.7 More FM, Newstalk ZB 1278AM, National 101.5FM or Radio Live 1368AM). Listen for the Civil Defence broadcast message which will be read by the radio announcer. This is what you should do if ever you hear the sirens.
“Earthquakes and tsunamis are at the forefront of everybody’s minds at the moment so the siren testing comes at a good time,” Napier Civil Defence Manager, Angela Reade says. “It cannot be reiterated enough to people that they need to ‘Get Ready and Get Thru’.”
Angela warns that there are no assurances that everyone will hear the sirens, as any number of factors may reduce the effectiveness of the siren noise.
“Other loud noises, wind, distance from the siren location, elevation and topography may affect the siren noise output. It is possible that some residents in Esk Valley, Poraiti, Taradale and Meeanee may not hear the sirens.”
When the siren system is tested Civil Defence wants to avoid residents and visitors to the city becoming alarmed or frightened. They seek the public’s assistance to inform neighbours about the siren test and what is going to happen.
“Of most concern are residents who may be located within 250 metres from the siren location. The noise generated by the siren will be loud and people with sensitive hearing should avoid being directly exposed to the siren for too long,” Angela says.
NZ Fire Service Area Commander, Ken Cooper, says that ensuring smoke alarms have working batteries by testing the alarms at daylight saving is vital.
“Smoke alarms have saved thousands of lives in New Zealand,” Ken says. “If there is a fire in your home, smoke alarms could be the difference between life and death for your family.
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, living area and hallway. Test your smoke alarm regularly. Day light saving is an excellent time to test and replace batteries.”
People are also urged to add one more thing to their “Get Ready” list and that is to sign up for Napier Civil Defence text alerts if they haven’t done so already. The texting service was introduced last year and is an additional way of alerting the public that there is a Civil Defence emergency. Those signed up will receive a text explaining the type of emergency and what action should be taken. The texting service will be tested at each daylight saving changeover. To sign up go to www.napier.govt.nz type in cdtxtalerts, and follow the simple steps.
Following the siren test residents will be asked to complete a survey on the effectiveness of the test. This can be done via the Napier City Council website www.napier.govt.nz or by filling out the survey in the Napier Mail on 30 March or 6 April. You will then be entered into a prize draw to win some great prizes.
Whatever you do, now is the time to prepare for a natural disaster. Are you ready?
CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE MEDIA RELEASES
23 February 2011 - Hawke's Bay District Health Board - Hawke's Bay Helping Christchurch Hospital, PDF File - 44Kb
23 February 2011 - Hawke's Bay District Health Board - Hawke's Bay Helping Christchurch Hospital Update 2, PDF File - 44Kb
28 February 2011 - Hawke's Bay District Health Board - Christchurch Earthquake Response from Hawke's Bay District Health Board, PDF File - 45Kb
2 March 2011 - Hawke's Bay District Health Board - Help for those who have moved to Hawke's Bay from Christchurch, PDF File - 46Kb
4 March 2011 - Wairoa District Council - Red Cross Displaced Person Registration Available at Wairoa District Council, PDF File - 20Kb
Friday 25 February 2011
Hawke's Bay CDEM personnel to help earthquake response
Five Hawke’s Bay emergency operations logistics staff will be going to Wellington today to assist the National Crisis Management Centre with their logistics functions for the Canterbury earthquake response.
The staff going are: Te Aroha Cook from Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, Carol Gilbertson and John Keenan from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and Des Jane and Russell McCracken from Wairoa District Council. The staff will work in Wellington for up to 5 days.
Corinne Hamlin from Wairoa District’s building inspectors team will also be deployed to Christchurch on Sunday. Angela Reade and Monique Hewitt from Napier City civil Defence have been working in Christchurch for the past two days.
Another 3 staff are on standby if required: Bruce Kitto [CHBDC], Tim Allan [WDC] and Charlotte Drury [HBRC].
“We were impressed by the willingness of our skilled Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management personnel to volunteer to help with the response to the Canterbury quake. They will gain invaluable experience that can not normally be offered through regular training, experience they will bring back and share with other staff here in the Bay,” said Nigel Simpson, Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Coordinator.
The National Crisis Management Centre has thanked all staff who offered their skills. The National Centre co-ordinates assistance to Canterbury and will manage deployment of available staff from all regional CDEM groups during the response and recovery operation.
Thursday 24 February 2011
If Hawke’s Bay people want to give to Christchurch – GIVE CASH
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Chairman, Fenton Wilson, has reinforced the message for people wanting to help Cantabrians: “Give cash”.
“Cash is the easiest and most effective way to help those impacted by Tuesday’s earthquake and those still recovering from the September 2010 Canterbury earthquake,” he said.
Several relief funds are up and running.
A “Christchurch Mayoral fund” has been set up and donations can be made to BNZ bank account: 02-0800-084958-000. The Red Cross is accepting donations for their 2011 Earthquake Appeal at their ASB account 12-3192-0006848-01. People can give to the Salvation Army appeal and there are donation funds running at all the major banks.
Hawke’s Bay CDEM Group Coordinator Nigel Simpson said that Hawke’s Bay people are generous and want to help with relief efforts for the national state of emergency in Canterbury.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Christchurch and Canterbury at this time and the best way we can help is to give cash now and provide what Christchurch needs when they ask for it,” he said.
He says that the management of people assisting with the specific disaster recovery skills needed, is being carefully done to ensure there is no extra burden on the limited water, food and accommodation resources in Canterbury.
More than 100 staff from 9 Hawke’s Bay organisations – councils, government organisations and service agencies - have combined to offer a range of skills to assist at Emergency Operations Centres or with maintaining local government services.
“These staff may be used as required in essential areas, and may be valuable in later stages of the recovery to relieve staff who will need a break,” said Mr Simpson.
Hawke’s Bay staff from NZ Police, NZ Fire Service, NZ Defence Force, District Health Board and Public Health are also contributing to their national organisations’ responses with deployment of staff to support the Christchurch response operation.
Mr Simpson reminds everyone in Hawke’s Bay that it’s time to take stock and be sure we are all prepared enough for an earthquake or other disaster. Having at least some water and food stored, first aid material, a family plan on where you will meet up and what you will do, and a battery powered radio and torches (with spare batteries ready).
“As we have seen and heard from this disaster, information becomes paramount for you to know what to do for your safety, and with the power out, an agreed plan of action plus a transistor radio and a torch will be a great help.”
Anyone wanting to know what they should do to be prepared at their workplace or home can get information from www.hbemergency.govt.nz or ask your local council for brochures.
People in New Zealand concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|