Historical emergencies

Whanganui Town Bridge river levels peaked at approximately 6am this morning at 7.4 metres, which means flooding concerns have receded for the district.

Mayor Annette Main lifted the state of local emergency for the Wanganui District as at 12 noon Thursday, 2 July 2015. The emergency status had been in place since Saturday June 20, after the district experienced a massive amount of localised rainfall resulting in flooding. Information on the recovery efforts are available at www.wanganui.govt.nz.

The Mayor of Wanganui declared a local state of emergency in Wanganui in response to persistent heavy rain and high river levels.

Volcanic activity at Mt Tongariro. As GNS Science reports that the current status of Mount Tongariro is likely to remain indefinitely, with gas and steam emission continuing to be a feature for several years, this will be the last update published on the MCDEM website until the situation changes.

Declared at 1719 only for purpose of evacuation of people in lower Whangeahu valley. Enforcement powers ware required as some people resisted evacuation and the local Controller wanted all at risk to be evacuated before dark- river was still rising and flooding expected. Air force helicopter supported evacuations. Declaration lifted following morning at 0851.

Declared for whole region at 2000 hrs, effectively ending the Rangitikei and Manawatu declarations made the previous morning. (See Rangitikei & Manawatu District declarations above). Similar conditions in Horowhenua District, although no declaration was made earlier by that District. Tararua, Ruapehu & Wanganui Districts also affected. Summary on event: Intense rainfall and gale force winds from 15-23 February have affected the lower North Island and top of the South Island with extensive and severe flooding and some wind damage. The river peak of the Manawatu River was the second largest on record, the largest being recorded in 1902. The peak of the Rangitikei was the third largest on record since 1897. Estimated to be NZ’s largest disaster in 20 years. More than a thousand evacuees. Approx 500 houses damaged. 4 bridges destroyed, 21 bridges seriously damaged. Widespread roads, rail closure, widespread power & phone outages. Stock losses estimated at 1300.

Declared at 0310 hrs for District due to severe flooding. 100 year event in certain areas. Defence resources required. Approximately 350 evacuees. Feilding isolated, many bridges out. Widespread road & rail closures. Water & power outages throughout District. Major issue main gas pipeline to Hawkes Bay closed.

Declared at 0255 hrs for District due to severe flooding with significant problems in Marton. 100 year event in certain areas. Approximately 530 people evacuated. Communications (phones) out due to bridges supporting cables collapsing. Water & power outages throughout District. Certain parts of District isolated. Declaration ended on 17 February due to a Regional declaration being made.

Declared at 0630; lifted 1400 next day. Declaration to facilitate evacuation of 62 residential properties & 45 commercial premises threatened by possible overtopping of the stopbanks of the Whanganui River. 75 evacuees; 24 in motel accommodation. Stopbanks not breached although some localised inundation occurred.