As floodwaters recede, water contamination in several areas is an ongoing issue.

Emergency Management Otago Group Controller, Matt Alley, says staff and contractors from multiple organisations remain mobilised around most communities, checking water, power, and infrastructure assets such as pump stations and affected wastewater plants.

“The break in the weather is a good opportunity for communities to reconnect. If able to do so safely, please connect with neighbours and families to see where any assistance may be need,” he says.

“I extend a huge thank you to the agencies, contractors and lifeline organisations who’ve all been working exceptionally hard under tough circumstances and doing long hours to check on people and restore access to isolated communities and those impacted,” he says.

He emphasized there had been water contamination in several areas with boil water notices issued and people should boil water if in any doubt.

Mr Alley noted that while the Clutha River was still declining in volume, water was not draining as quickly as expected in some areas around Balclutha and Inch Clutha, which was still affecting roading and pastureland in places.

There is a general advisory to conserve water across the Clutha District due to the high levels of all rivers around the district. The water is discoloured which will take longer to treat to a drinking water standard.

Four rivers in Otago remain at red warning levels, including the Clutha, Taieri (at Outram, Sutton and Tiroiti) Manuherikia and the Kawarau.

The mouth of the Puerua River is now open and working after Otago Regional Council contractors cut a channel. That was 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 availability through Otago and Southland Fed Farmer's Facebook pages. 

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 on 0800 787254.

Port Chalmers State Highway 88 remains closed with resident and emergency services access only. Road crews are working towards this road reopening on Monday but there will be delays and speed limits. Speed limits must be strictly adhered to due to the effects of vibrations.

• SH87 remains closed from Kyeburn to Hyde and is likely to remain closed for some time.
• SH90 remains 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, www.cluthadc.govt.nz and journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions.
• As weather improves, slips, surface flooding and hazardous road conditions will remain. People should reduce speed.
  
  

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:

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

• Monday 7 October, from 8am–6pm or go to workandincome.govt.nz.

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

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