Flood waters cause evacuation of Hawke's Bay coastal residents

Heavy overnight rain has caused flooding in coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay which has necessitated the evacuation of some residents.

At the coastal township of Waimarama, a number of residents are now out of their own homes due to flooding and slips and are staying at the homes of other residents or in the welfare centre which has been established.

The team on the ground is assessing the situation regularly with the safety and welfare of residents being the key concern. The focus is on removing people from the immediate flood zone rather than complete evacuation from the area.

The access road to Waimarama remains closed and it’s likely to be late this afternoon before a single lane is opened.

Up to fifteen people are currently isolated at Ocean Beach but are not in any imminent danger - the army is assessing the situation on an ongoing basis

20 people who were trapped at Clifton Beach motor camp have now been transported to safety at the welfare centre, which has been established at Haumoana School.

High tide is due at 12.44 this afternoon but it’s not expected to add to the flooding of the coastal areas.

However, over the next 3 to 6 hours in coastal hills, south of Cape Kidnappers another 100 mills of rain is expected which will exacerbate the flooding issues. Following this, the rain is expected to ease but will be accompanied by strong winds from the southwest.