Media Release

The Far North district has emerged largely unscathed from yesterday’s predicted storm.

The only road closed in the district this morning is Mangakahia Road at Twin Bridges where a slip has been reported. There is limited access on SH One where the bridge is flooding at the base of Turntable Hill. Traffic is banking up at Moerewa and motorists should consider diverting through SH 11.

All other roads are open but should be driven with care because there may be surface flooding, debris and slips on some of the district’s extensive roading network which will be checked by contractors today.

Key civil defence staff remained on call during what transpired to be a relatively quiet night last night with sporadic calls about fallen trees, minor slips and surface flooding.

District facilities manager Alastair Wells says the council was well prepared for the expected storm, working most of the day to put contingency plans in place for welfare centres, incident control points and emergency essential services.

“We set up our emergency operations centre to make sure systems were working and ready to go,” he said. “We are relieved that the storm was not as bad as feared and just want to thank the many people who get involved in a situation such as this.

“It is heartening to see how people volunteer for duty and are ready to help, both within the council and other emergency services and within the communities themselves

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Page created/updated: 30 July, 2008

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