Weather event update 2.20pm Friday 4 July
The situation
We continue to monitor the wet weather coming into the region. The MetService had issued a Severe Weather Watch for today’s rain. The amount of rain expected would not normally trigger a Sevevre Watch status. However, in this case they are incorporating the implications of rain on saturated ground.
You can check Council’s rain gauges yourself on a hourly basis here - https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../environmen.../rainfall/report
Our teams are out on the roads, and we continue to monitor the situation.
Due to the saturated ground, surface flooding and slips are expected and are making driving conditions difficult, be careful on the roads and only travel if it is necessary.
Where to get help
Motueka Emergency Assistance and Information Centre on Old Wharf Road is open from 9am-5pm with a range of agencies available to assist the community.
There are community meetings planned on Saturday, 12 -2pm at Riwaka Memorial Hall and 3-5pm at the Ngātīmoti Hall.
The Government has announced up to $100,000 is being made available to support flood-affected farmers and growers. Find out more here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/.../support-flood-affected...
The Mayoral Relief Fund has been activated, please email mayoralrelief@tasman.govt.nz to apply. More information here: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/.../nelson-tasman-flood-event...
You can also contact MSD for additional financial support.
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/.../civil-defence...
Disposing of flood damaged materials
Remember, floodwater and silt can be contaminated, and can carry bugs that can cause gastrointestinal (vomiting and diarrhoea), skin and eye infections. We recommend you treat all surface water as contaminated unless you have been told otherwise.
If you have flood damaged materials, then this can be delivered to the transfer stations once it is safe to do so.
Make sure you keep any receipts of costs for insurance purposes (if there are charges)
Take photos of all your flood damage before you start the clean-up, remember to include a photo of the highwater mark
Please get in contact with your insurance company as soon as possible, to lodge your claim and get the claims process started
If your property is flood damaged, your insurer may arrange for a contractor to strip our damaged material to support drying. As part of that work the contractor will remove damaged building material.
Any damaged material as a result of the weather event can be taken to the Council Resource Recovery Centre for assessment to determine whether Council will cover the cost of disposal.
If you are not able to transport your material to a Resource Recovery Centre, then please call Council and we will look at getting a contractor to collect the material.
Please don’t put material on the roadside, as this makes it difficult and more expensive to manage.
Harbourmaster
The Harbourmaster, Coastguard and volunteers have been active clearing a significant amount of debris from the water and coastline. These include nets, apple bins and plastic waste.
However, it is likely that Navigational hazards remain in the area. The team will assess today’s weather and build a plan around remaining debris accordingly.
Please do not clear debris yourself as it could be contaminated and dangerous.
We will continue to keep you updated.
If your area is affected, please take the time to check on your neighbours and look out for one another and if you need help phone 1-1-1.
Kia Kaha