Emergency Management Centre activated, 200 year event predicted for Mangatainoka River

Updated: 2.30pm 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.

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 suggesting a 200 year event.

We are advising that people and stock living on low-lying areas close to rivers should monitor their situation and determine whether to self evacuate.

A Community Centre is being opened in Pahiatua. Further details to come.

The following schools have chosen to close their doors early in order to send the children home:

Mangamaire School
Ruahine School
Tararua College

All schools are now being advised to close early and send the children home.
Public are advised to not travel unless absolutely necessary.

Farmers are advised to move their stock to higher ground

For road closures click here.

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 will be on our website: www.tararuadc.govt.nz

Next Update: 5.00pm Monday 6 September