Whakatane Civil Defence Update

Whakatane District Council has opened a welfare centre at the War Memorial Hall to cater
for small number of residents being evacuated from Fortunes and Paroa Road area following
the breach of the Te Rahu canal stop bank (left bank).

Whakatane District Council Civil Defence Controller Diane Turners says the evacuation is of
a small number of houses in the area and is being taken as a precautionary measure.

“The Regional Council is working as quickly as it can to repair the breach and the move to
evacuate residents is a precautionary measure. In addition we have a digger lowering the
overflow area on Whakatane River spit to allow the river to overtop and relieve floodwaters

Ms Turner said the Council will continue to work closely with the Regional Council to monitor
the river levels and anticipate any response that may be required.

“There are number of roads that are closed and we urge drivers to listen to the radio and
check the Council’s website (www.whakatane.govt.nz) for latest updates. All our other critical
infrastructure is operating as normal”.

MetService has advised that the heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty has now been
lifted, although 10 to 20mm could accumulate in some places until late morning