Historical emergencies

Declared at 1700 for Waiotahi Ward. One death at Ohiwa Beach due to landslip. Numerous road closures due to flooding, houses evacuated due to deemed unsafe (mainly landslip threat). 10 houses uninhabitable. About 30 persons evacuated. Widespread water and power disruptions.

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 1337 hrs for Picton Ward. About 1000 people had to be evacuated in fear of a break in the Burns Dam (a reservoir above the town) due to high inflow capacities and possible landslips into the reservoir. Heavy flooding in Alexandra Holiday Park area. Declaration ended when engineers declared the dam to be safe.

Declared for Patea Ward (Waitotara Township and Waitotara Valley) at 1100 hrs due to severe flooding. Approximately 100 residents had to be evacuated. No reticulated water supply, sewerage tanks had to be pumped. Telephones & power also out.

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 0030 hrs for District, although damage was limited to Paekakariki town and Paekakariki Hill Road. Damage caused by major flooding and landslips (mud & rubble) at Paekakariki. Several families evacuated, welfare centre established. Health issues due to sewerage problems. Wellington cut off (road and rail) until afternoon of 04.10.2003. Air crash at Waikanae might have complicated response. Duration of declaration mainly due to clean-up process.

Declared at 0800 hrs for Putararu & Tirau Wards. Terminated at 1700 on 23/07. “Weather Bomb” caused extensive flooding. Main problems nil water supply, no power, resulting in a need to regulate water supply & consumption. Several roads closed, Kinleith branch railway line closed. Considerable damage to private properties, no evacuations.

Declared at 0303 hrs for District. Terminated at 1700 on 24/07. “Weather Bomb” caused extensive flooding, power failures, overloading of waste water systems. All flooding between midnight & 1240am. Some areas recorded highest rainfall ever per hour. 200 houses evacuated, 500 evacuees. SH 25 closed. One death- person swept to sea at Waiomu Motor camp. 14500 insurance claims as at 2 August 2002. Estimated at $25 million (highest ever linked to a disaster event in NZ).

Declared at 1918hrs. Terminated at 1300, 3 days later. Flooding in Balclutha (110 people evacuated); Kaitangata (30 people)