Vehicle access to Ocean Beach remains marginal

The small settlement of Ocean Beach in Hawke’s Bay is still relatively isolated, a week on from the heavy rain which caused severe flooding around coastal communities.
Contractors have removed all the debris from Ocean Beach Road but 100 mils of silt has been left on the surface, which is making driving conditions dangerous when it’s wet or covered with dew during the evening. A suction sweeper is to be deployed to lift the layer of silt from the road, at which time it is hoped the road will reopen to all traffic.

Red Stickers

Homes which remain red stickered due to water inundation

Waimarama 16
Te Awanga 14
Ocean Beach 9 (in most instances these are holiday homes and not currently occupied).

The washing out of these homes is to begin shortly. Tankers will be made available, to hose out homes affected by flooding. This will ensure that undue pressure is not placed on the mains water supply. Other homes in Waimarama and Te Awanga, which had septic tank problems, are being quickly and progressively cleared by contractors.

Motor Camps

The Clifton and Te Awanga Motor Camps remain closed to the public.

Roads

Ocean Beach Road as above

Te Apiti Road Restricted access to 4WD vehicles over the last 500 metres of the road.

Sea Crest:

Planning is underway on the restoration of a sea crest at the Waimarama Domain which was breached during the storm.
Hastings District Council is working closely with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and key community stakeholders on developing a plan, which may include installing a culvert at the breach. It is envisaged the crest will be replaced early next week.


Red Cross
171 residents have now registered with the Red Cross as requiring some level of assistance in the aftermath of the flooding. Work and Income is now proactively managing the welfare support of these people. Work and Income staff will be at the Civil Defence support centre at the Waimarama Fire Station, today (Wednesday) and Friday from 9am to 3pm. Waimarama residents who would like to consult about their needs in the wake of the flooding, are urged to call in between those times.

Volunteers

A call has gone out for volunteers to help continue the cleanup over the weekend. The work will involve the removal of silt from homes and properties and helping clear some surrounding land of the debris left by the floodwaters. The “Magpie Army” will help move silt onto the berm outside homes and a collection will be undertaken next week. People can register as volunteers by calling Hastings District Council on 871-5000 or online at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz

Waimarama water supply

Testing continues to ensure the quality of the water being supplied to homes in the township is of
a high standard. Chlorine is being introduced to the supply today and more flushing will be carried out. Residents may notice a small change in the taste of the water while the chlorine is added and it will be removed as soon as testing shows the water meets the required standard. The boil water notice will remain in place until at least Friday.