Hawkes Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

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CHILEAN TSUNAMI IMPACTS IN HB - 27/28 February 2010

Local CDEM staff stepped down their tsunami watch on the 28 February 2010 but continued to repeat earlier warnings for Hawke's Bay people to stay away from East Coast beaches and estuaries for the rest of that day, as the effects of the tsunami continued for the next 10-12 hours.  Residents were told that the first wave may not be the largest and that strong currents and unusual tidal effects would continue for a period of hours.

The Tsunami was seen in Hawke's Bay with changes in water levels around the coast and in harbours of around 1 metre.  Surge waves were seen around Ahuriri Harbour and water level and wave pattern changes along the coast.  

People who self evacuated from their coastal homes were able to return to homes but were told to stay away from the beach for the rest of the day.   Boat ramps which were earlier monitored by NZ Police or CDEM staff are no longer monitored and boaties were asked to take extra care launching or coming back in as strong currents and tidal effects would continue for up to 12 hours.

General advice was people in coastal areas should:

1. Stay off beaches - which also means no sightseeing in coastal areas;
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers, estuaries) including boat ramps and boating activities;
3. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends;
4. Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates;
5. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.

The Tsunami originated off the coast of Chile, following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 55km, which occurred at 7.34pm on Saturday 27th February.

The Hawke's Bay Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group in conjunction with MCDEM and scientific advisors closely monitored the situation to determine the local severity of the threat and its overall impact to New Zealand.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council - 19 July 08:30 hrs

Background:

Widespread high intensity rainfall that fell throughout the region south of the Mohaka River on Tuesday has eased to intermittent rain.   There is still a risk of some high intensity rainfall which will continued to be monitored.

Situation:

All rivers  levels are currently dropping, however saturated conditions and intermittent rainfall will mean that river levels may stay at elevated levels for some time.    

The Met Service predict further rain for Hawke’s Bay this morning with heavy falls about the ranges north of Napier easing this afternoon.  However, rain may become heavier again during Friday.

HBRC are keeping a close watch on river levels and model forecasts do not indicate any significant problems.

At this stage Council will continue to monitor river levels and flood protection works.

Summary of Events:

Nothing significant in regard to HBRC Assets – however some damage is expected to occur to river protection works as rivers continue to flow at elevated levels.

Hastings District Council 18/7/07 17:00hrs

Heavy rainfall experienced over the Hawke’s Bay Heretaunga Plains during Monday and Tuesday. High intensity rainfall (1:100+ year event) caused “flash flooding” problems.   

Sporadic intervals of rainfall still continuing throughout the district. Mainly surface water problems.

Situation

Flooding impact has eased but surface flooding has arisen in some areas due to rising creeks and streams. All major rivers are contained and are below danger levels.

Still some flood impact issues in Maraekakaho and Puketapu Areas. Focus is still on assessment of people’s needs and any recovery issues. Particularly in the Maraekakaho, Puketapu and Puketitiri rural areas.

State Highway 50 has been opened. However, some bridges and culverts on side roads  need evaluating.

Some low lying roads close to Tukituki River, between CHB and Waimarama Bridge (Red Bridge) are experiencing surface flooding due to river water flow.  Some properties have been isolated as a result.  But river flows have peaked and no problems have been reported from the public.   

Update as at 5.00 pm

Maraekakaho

  • 16 houses and the local school have been inspected for flood damage.
  • 2 of the above homes are unfit for occupation until cleared by Health Officers.
  • Portaloo toilets are being delivered to 4 houses that have septic tank problems in the Maraekakaho area (Kereru Road).
  • Bulk tanker drinking water is still established for the Maraekakaho Community at the local school.
  • Four people isolated by floodwater in Mangatahi Road have been contacted.  No assistance needed at this stage.

Roads

State Highway 50 is now OPEN with care. Mangatahi Road is still closed. Matapiro Road is closed between Ohiti and Crownthorpe Settlement Road for at least 24 hrs Tukituki Road is still closed. Te Aute Trust Road is closed due to surface flooding near the CHB Boundary. Kahuranaki Road is closed. Ohiti Road – collapsed culvert now OPEN to one lane.

Schools

Hukerere Girls College (Esk Valley) closed.  Crownthorpe School closed. Puketapu School Closed. Maraekakaho School Closed

Utilities

No issues reported

Predicted:    

Potential for heavy rainfall still being predicted until mid day Thursday.  80 - 100mm of rain could fall in the ranges North of Napier.  Forecast up to 15mm/hr rainfall intensity possible at times today.

Flood Maps

Central Hawke’s Bay 18/7/07 1600 hrs

Heavy rainfall experienced over the Central Hawke’s Bay during yesterday and last night and appears to be continuing into today although it has eased some. High intensity rainfall has caused “flash flooding” problems.
 
Summary

Current - Overnight the main rainfall was in the Ruahines, on the lower areas with some heavy bursts towards the coast.  Rain has been falling on the plain areas throughout this morning but in short heavy bursts and most surface water levels appear to be dropping a little.
Update as at 16.00hrs

Summary

The main Waipawa water pump is now pumping again.  Appears not to have been damaged.  Sandbagging was carried out this morning to provide protection to pumphouse etc. The Alternative water supply is still available if required.  Rising rivers have increased turbidity and this is being monitored.  Radio broadcasts being made over local station asking residents to conserve water and precautionary ‘boil water’ notices have been issued.  Water samples are currently being tested and when results are known appropriate remedial action will be taken.

Road conditions/problems remain as follows: Washout on Kashmir Road. CHB Works is heading out there now to check the extent. A digger is heading to Mill Road to clear a slip and this may be used at Kashmir Road to widen at the washout to get the road open. If that is not an option the road will be closed. Porangahau Road/Hiranui Road closed, detour over Lake/Ugly Hill. The site will remain manned in case of the situation worsening and the detour required to be shifted back to Nichols Road although water levels appear to be stabilizing or dropping slightly. Bush Road is open. The bridge at Eparaima Access Road is over topped. Wharetoka Road remains closed Argyll East Road at the Brow Bridge remains closed Lookout Road remains closed due to a slip that is currently being attended to. It is a sizeable slip and will take some time. Surface flooding at Railway Esplanade at the by-pass. Signs put out Ashcott Road, surface flooding by Wilson's Orchard and isolated area further towards SH50. Signs or cones put out for warning
· Taylor Road at slab crossing still closed Wakarara Road, tree(s) down at Douglas Cutting, being cleared Coughlin Road, Waipukurau. Checked for surface flooding. OK at the moment but will keep an eye on it. Storm water is not getting out through normal channels due to height of the Tukituki River. Porangahau Road, slip reported on road near Wanstead gully.  Being investigated. Middle Road at Te Aute Trust Road intersection is blocked by water (on the boundary with Hastings DC, their contractors investigating)

SH50 was reopened at 1125hrs after debris had been cleared from the Mangaonuku No. 3 bridge and it had been checked structurally.

Surface flooding still on many roads and many also have a lot of debris left behind from surface flooding yesterday, overnight and this morning.

School closures known of at present

Sherwood, Ongaonga, Tikokino.  Closures due to bus route concerns. Others have some bus routes causing concern but are monitoring during the day.  Public Info bulletins to media are asking parents to contact their schools in the first instance for any updates.

No houses reported threatened at present.

Predicted

Latest forecast is that the rain band is moving north and heavy rain is falling in the hills north of Napier.  We can still expect some rain to fall until at least Friday but intensities are low and totals will not reach the official warning criteria.  The Heavy Rain Warning for the area has been lifted by MetService.
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