Whakatane Civil Defence Update (6.53pm)

The Civil Defence Controller, David Bewley says that the water has stopped flowing into the
Te Rahu ponding basin, and the Regional Council is continue to repair the breach of the stop
bank along the Te Rahu canal. The seven households evacuated earlier today are not able
to return to their homes tonight. He said that the situation would be reassessed tomorrow
morning.

The Regional Council has advised that there is a high tide at 11 pm tonight and this should
not cause further flooding as the Whakatane River level is continuing to drop. David Bewley
said “Given this situation the Emergency Operations Centre will close although staff will
remain on stand by. Roading crews will be working to remove slips and open roads as soon
as possible”. He asked that people listen to Radio 1XX for updates on road closures in the
morning or look on the Whakatane District Council website (www.whakatane.govt.nz).