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Flooding causes evacuations in Bay Of Plenty

Tuesday 1 June 2010, 9:41PM

By New Zealand Police

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WHAKATANE

Emergency services working in Whakatane to mitigate flood damage and evacuate properties are being hampered by people driving too fast through flooded streets.

Many of the calls coming into the Northern Communications Centre are from residents complaining of the wash from passing vehicles smashing through their houses. Emergency services are not able to block off every street and are asking people to stay at home wherever possible and to drive with care and consideration if they do need to evacuate.

The fire service alone has responded to over 60 calls for service and have the same number again yet to attend. Many of these calls have been to assist families to the evacuation centre at the War Memorial Hall. There are reported to be about 50 people at the centre at present.

An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been set up at the Whakatane District Council buildings. A full media release will be made from the centre in due course.