Today’s Prime Ministerial visit to staff working on the flood response at Emergency Management Otago’s (EMO) headquarters in Stafford St, Dunedin, today was warmly received by staff, says EMO Controller Matt Alley.

The visit from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell this morning follows two states of emergency (now lifted) that were declared in Dunedin and Clutha areas following a 1-in-100-year flood event concentrated in coastal Otago.

The Prime Minister and Minister were given an overview of the response activity to date and chatted to staff in the Emergency Coordination Centre as work continues on the response which began on Thursday last week.

The Prime Minister praised the ‘highly professional’ emergency response, acknowledging the commitment this involves with so many people working long hours.

Mr Alley says the team was ‘very grateful’ to have their work acknowledged during the visit.

“This visit means a lot to the team and I would like to add my thanks to all the dedicated and hard-working teams, based at the city, district and regional councils across the region, who gave this response their undivided attention and time, because they care for their communities.”

He adds that: “There is still a substantial amount of work ahead for many households, farmers and businesses.

“As rivers continue to recede, our focus has turned to people’s welfare and wellbeing, in particular folk affected in Dunedin and landholders and rural communities in the Clutha area, as the damage from the past few days is able to be assessed,” he says.

“People should not just “soldier on” but talk with friends, families, or colleagues, or contact the agencies who specialise in offering a helping hand.”

• SH87 is closed from Kyeburn to Hyde and is likely to remain closed for some time
• SH90 between Waikoikoi & Tapanui is open
• SH88 Dunedin to Port Chalmers re-opened this morning with traffic management
• KiwiRail impacted by two slips - requiring temporary fixes which will take days
• 17 roads closed and 27 have reduced capacity in Clutha District
• 21 roads closed in Dunedin check NZTA and your local City and District Council websites to keep across road closure and reopen updates
• Large water main heavily damaged by Maia slip. Contractors redirecting water pipes
• Residents asked to conserve water in parts of Dunedin and Clutha
• Boil water notices in place for parts of Dunedin, Clutha and Waitaki
• Wastewater issues continue in Clutha. Kaitangata and Owaka are discharging to rivers and a number of other schemes struggling.

People are advised to continue to respect boil water notices in their communities and be patient as delays occur as road crews work to ensure access to communities is restored.

Rural support

The Otago Rural Advisory Group continues to meet daily to understand impacts and coordinate activities.

“There is a strong rural network that has good connections with farmers and rural communities,” he says.

Mr Alley encouraged anyone in the farming sector feeling the effects of anxiety to contact Rural Support Trust 0800 Rural Help (0800 787 254) or visit www.rural-support.org.nz. 

Community information MSD

MSD has civil defence payments available for people affected in the Dunedin area.

You don't have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence Payment, and non-residents may be eligible. In most cases it doesn't matter what your income is or what assets you have. These can help with; emergency food, clothing and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed; costs if you’ve had to leave your home; a payment if you have evacuees staying with you in places such as a private home, marae or community centres.

Call Work and Income on 0800 400 100 for more information and to apply, MSD reopens Monday 7 October, from 8am - 6pm or go to workandincome.govt.nz.

Insurance

We encourage people that when they can, to contact their insurer to make a claim.

For more detailed information, people are asked to contact their local council.