🛑 Civil Defence advises that people travelling in the Ōhura area are creating issues for themselves and people responding to flooding in the area. Multiple roads are closed/flooded, and they need roads clear for emergency services and contractors working to clear landslips.
Press release below:
Ruapehu Civil Defence is urging travellers to respect road closure signage after multiple reports of people driving through floodwaters and closed roads, hindering response efforts and creating issues for themselves.
Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley said that a number of incidents have already occurred, including one traveller reaching Ōhura and running out of fuel.
“Over one hundred vehicles have been reported travelling through Ōhura despite road closures and unsafe conditions,” Mr Manley said.
“Extensive slips mean that through roads are not open, and contrary to earlier reports, State Highway 43 (Forgotten World Highway) from Taumarunui is also currently closed.”
Travellers are being warned not to attempt to bypass closures and to wait for official updates.
“Road crews are working as quickly as possible to assess and reopen routes, at least to single-lane access where it is safe to do so,” he said.
“Drivers who ignore road closure signage may find they’ve taken a long detour for nothing and face a lengthy drive back. More concerningly, they may get themselves into serious trouble and require rescue, putting additional pressure on emergency services.”
Council staff and the New Zealand Red Cross have now reached Ōhura and have begun welfare checks and assessments of critical infrastructure, including the drinking water treatment plant.
At this stage, the primary welfare requests from residents are for food parcels. A clearer picture of community needs will emerge as assessments continue.
Bottled water is now available at the Ōhura Memorial Hall welfare centre for residents who require it.
Rural Support has reported that farmers are dealing with widespread slips across properties, causing damage to fencing and making it difficult to check on stock.
Residents and travellers are strongly urged to:
• Obey all road closure signage and instructions
• Avoid driving through floodwaters
• Stay up to date through official Civil Defence and Council channels
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
📸 Centaine Barrett - photo captured last night (Sat 18 Apr) when the road was open.
