​Severe Weather Event Affecting Taranaki Region

Rain has been falling at consistently high levels in North and Coastal Taranaki for most of the day and river levels remain high as we head into the night.

With further heavy rain forecast overnight, Taranaki Emergency Management alongside their partners are continuing to closely monitor this situation, practically in flood prone areas around the Waitara, Waitotara and Waiwhakaiho.

Taranaki Emergency Management Group Controller, Todd Velvin is asking residents in flood prone areas such as low-lying areas of Waitara to make sure you are prepared.

“Now is a good time for residents to get their grab bags ready and making sure their phones are charged so they can receive an Emergency Mobile Alert. “

“We’re also encouraging people check in with friends/whanau so you know their situation and can help them prepare if they need.”

“We understand that the possibility of evacuation is scary and it’s not a decision that will be taken lightly. Residents will not be asked to evacuate unless authorities believe that lives are in danger.

Our official advice is:

Safety first

Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.

If life or property is in immediate danger phone 111.

Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.

Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.

Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require special assistance.

A grab bag should include:

Cash and personal ID

Torch, radio and water

A change of clothes and blankets or sleeping bag for each household member

First aid kit

Water and snack food (remember babies and pets too)

Prescription medication and anything else you might need like dentures, extra glasses, hearing aids etc

Car keys and house keys

USB phone charger

Listen to these radio stations for official information:

More FM

Taranaki 93.2FM

Oakura 96.8FM

Okato 100FM

Opunake 91.2FM

Newstalk ZB

New Plymouth 96.4FM

Hawera 96.4FM

Wanganui 1197AM

The Hits

Taranaki 90FM

Opunake 91.2FM

Radio Rhema

Taranaki 540AM

Opunake 93.6FM

Radio NZ National

New Plymouth 101.2FM

918AM

Wanganui 101.6FM

567AM