Monitoring of rivers continues in the Horizons Region

Horizons Regional Council river management group manager Ramon Strong says the Manawatū River peaked at 4.5 metres at Teachers’ College at around 9am this morning.

“While the rain has differed to what was predicted, staff are still keeping a close eye on river levels at the Moutoa floodgates,” says Mr Strong.

“The rate of rise is moving slowly downstream and will be near levels where activation may be necessary later this afternoon.

“In Whanganui, river levels continue to recede and a decision about removing the flood barriers will be made later today.”

Horizons emergency manager Ross Brannigan says the Council are also in close contact with Ruapehu District Council’s emergency manager officer, who is working closely with Blue Duck Station.

“It is hoped that the 120 visitors who were stranded overnight can be evacuated sometime today,” says Mr Brannigan.

“The impending arrival of Cyclone Hola early next week and the affect it may have on our region is also been closely monitored.”

Members of the public are asked to stay away from rivers while they are in flood and to take care while driving.

There are numerous road closures in the Horizons Region, including Eastern  Tararua District, Whanganui and Ruapehu. SH56 at Opiki is also closed.

Information on road conditions can be found on AA’s website, http://maps.aa.co.nz/traffic/roadwatch  

Up-to-date information on river heights and rainfall is available via Horizons 24 hour toll-free Waterline 0508 4 FLOOD or via our website www.horizons.govt.nz

Updates will also be posted to the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence page: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui/

For weather forecasting information please see www.metservice.co.nz