Updated: 5.36pm Monday 6 September

The Tararua Emergency Management and Civil Defence have activated the Emergency Management Centre (EOC).

A significant amount of rain has fallen over the past 16 hours and it is expected to continue with some roads already closed and a lot of surface flooding. We also have reports of flooding of a number of houses in the district. Rain is forecast to ease but some rivers may not yet have reached their highest level.

Public are advised to not travel unless absolutely necessary and farmers have been advised to move their stock to higher ground

The Pahiatua and Woodville areas are likely to be the most affected. The Mangatainoka river is predicted to continue to rise with the predicted modelling from Horizons Regional Council suggesting a 200 year event. We have earlier advised people living on low-lying areas close to rivers should monitor their situation closely. A Welfare Centre is being opened at the Pahiatua School Hall.

Areas in Pahiatua are no longer being evacuated as water levels have stabilised in most places. However, those that have been evacuated are not being advised to return to their houses yet. River levels will continue to be monitored and people informed as to when they should return to their homes.
Pongaroa School will be closed tomorrow.

The Tararua District Council will continue to monitor the situation and any further information will be made available as it comes to hand.

All updates including road closures will be on our website: www.tararuadc.govt.nz
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