Staff have used helicopter footage today to assess the impacts on townships around coastal Otago.

Emergency Management Otago duty controller Jo Gilroy says: “We would like to thank agencies, contractors and lifeline organisations who have all been working really hard to check on people and restore access to isolated communities and to help them get what they need.”

“The good news is surface water in south Dunedin seems to be receding and SH1 at both north and south of Dunedin have reopened. All rivers including the Taieri and Clutha have peaked and flows are receding, although many remain high.

“However, public health authorities are concerned about the potential for a gastro outbreak. All flood water should be treated as contaminated, and people should wash hands if in contact with it.

“On the rural front, a priority tonight and tomorrow is the Clutha River below Balclutha, specifically at Inch Clutha, at the Puerua River and at nearby Paretai, which has widespread flooding, with farmland underwater, and information indicating there have been stock losses.”

Within the next 48 hours at the Puerua River, Otago Regional Council contractors will tackle a blockage in the river at two ends; one at the training line, and then open the dune at the Kaka Point end using diggers. This is designed to relieve flooding overland from the Puerua River in the Paratai area.

Federated Farmers have said there are significant feed shortages in South Otago. Farmers and/or suppliers with feed available are advertising this through Otago and Southland Fed Farmer's Facebook pages. 

ORC is also asking dairy farmers to please contact the regional council with any concerns about their effluent ponds.

Key roading information

 Port Chalmers highway, SH88 will stay closed this weekend, with residential and emergency access only. Road crews will work towards this road reopening on Monday but there will be delays and speed limits that will have to be strictly adhered to due to the effects of vibrations.

And:

• SH87 is closed from Kyeburn to Hyde and is likely to remain closed for some time.
• SH90 is closed between Waikoikoi and Tapanui.
• Other smaller roads remain closed around the region. Updates for road closures and conditions can be found at: govt.nz/roadconditions and journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions.

People must continue to keep away from low-lying flood prone areas, stay out of floodwaters and please do not drive through water – as this can make flooding worse, and put your life at risk.

As weather improves, slips, surface flooding and hazardous road conditions will remain. People should reduce speed.

Clutha

Many roads are still closed in the Clutha District, and there have been issues with multiple wastewater plants, with some smaller communities isolated, for example Tokomairiro Mouth and Kaka Point.

Clutha District Council welfare teams have made contact today and checked on isolated communities.

Several boil water notices in place for Clutha residents – please stay aware of these via the Clutha District Council website and facebook.

Tapanui

Late this afternoon, Clutha District Council issued a boil water notice for the Tapanui township.  Residents are advised to conserve water too.

Anyone using water from their tap for consumption (including teeth cleaning and washing fruit and vegetables) should boil it first.

A drinking water tanker is available at Bushyhill Park for filling containers.

North Otago

Consumers on the Windsor and Awamoko Water schemes are asked to conserve water.

Dunback and Goodwood

Until further notice, the pumps supplying the Dunback and Goodwood zones of the Waihemo Water Supply have been shut down.

The pumps are expected to remain off until tomorrow. Consumers should not run out of water as all properties are required to have at least three days of storage on-site.

Dunedin

West Harbour has a boil water notice.

Updates for road closures and conditions can be found at dunedin.govt.nz/roadconditions and journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions.

As weather improves, slips and hazardous road conditions will remain.

Community information

If you are a farmer or grower, or a worker or live on a farming business, support is available through your local Rural Support Trust. Number is 0800 787254.

Farmers and/or suppliers with feed available are advertising this through the Facebook pages of Otago Fed Farmers and Southland Fed Farmers Facebook pages. 

Milk companies are trying hard to get to properties for milk collection, however,

Ministry for Social Development (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:

• Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October, call from 8am – 1pm. 
• 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.

“Everyone is working really hard to ensure affected communities feel supported. Please keep across updates and your district and regional communications updates,” Ms Gilroy said.