Damage assessments begin as river levels drop

Water levels are continuing to drop in the major rivers around Southland, except in the lower reaches of the Mataura River between Gore and the sea, and in the Taramoa Ponding Area above Invercargill.

The peak of the Mataura River flow is predicted to reach Seaward Downs tomorrow morning, and is likely to cause flooding and road closures in low lying areas, while the Taramoa Ponding Area is expected to peak between 6pm and 9pm this evening.

There is still widespread surface flooding with roads closed in many areas, but even as Environment Southland’s hydrologists are monitoring river levels, the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is starting to assess the scale of the damage and plan for recovery.

Group Controller Neil Cruickshank said that it would take several days, if not weeks, to gather a full picture of the losses, including damage to public assets like stopbanks, roads and bridges, and private property.

Farmers and others whose property has been affected by the floods can contact Environment Southland from tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and describe any damage that has occurred. This, together with reports from local authorities and other agencies, would help establish the extent of the problem and the Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group will be able to assess what level of recovery support is needed.

Anyone who has suffered loss or damage through the floods can either e-mail brief details to service@es.govt.nz or phone Environment Southland tollfree on 0800 76 88 45 between 8am and 5pm. The Council’s catchment staff will follow up reports of damage to stopbanks as river levels drop.

Mr Cruickshank stressed that while Civil Defence was keen to hear about damage and losses on private property, owners should still deal directly with their own insurance companies. “We are trying to build up a picture of the damage – we are not taking responsibility for fixing people’s problems but if we get a picture of common issues involving different agencies, we may be able to help coordinate recovery activities,” he said.

Many rural roads are still affected by surface water. Please refer to the New Zealand Transport Agency 24 Hour Call Centre 0800 44 44 49 and website www.nzta.govt.nz for information about State Highways and the Southland District Council www.southlanddc.govt.nz about local roads.

Full information about the state of the river levels and rainfall at each site is on Environment Southland’s website www.es.govt.nz and is also on the Council’s automated phone information service 03 2115010. Farmers and anyone living close to the lower reaches of any river in Southland are advised to check the website regularly as the data is updated every 15 minutes.