Civil Defence officials warned residents to stay alert after weekend floods struck Nelson Tasman. Waters have started dropping but emergency declarations remain active across the region. One person died when a tree fell during cleanup efforts on Saturday. A Civil Defence information center opened in Motueka to help affected families. Minister Mark Mitchell plans to visit damaged areas on Sunday.
Assessment teams began checking properties and roads early Sunday morning. Officials focused on Motueka, Riwaka and Taparewa areas first. Emergency managers hope to reach isolated valley communities that have not made contact. Rapid assessment teams will gather information for recovery planning. The damage appears widespread and repairs will take considerable time.
Marlborough officials shifted from emergency response to recovery operations Saturday night. Around 20 people became stranded when the Waiau river flooded their area. Spring Creek and Renwick residents left their homes Friday night as a safety measure. The district council may keep emergency status for five more days. Mayor Nadine Taylor said flood barriers mostly survived the severe weather.
Road crews worked hard to reconnect cut-off communities across both regions. State Highway 6 closed at two points between Kawatiri and Kohatu. Highway 63 remained blocked from Renwick to Saint Arnaud. About 200 people in Wairau lost road access completely. Transportation officials advised only essential travel until repairs finish.
MetService lifted all weather warnings for southern regions Sunday evening. Recovery efforts will officially start Monday morning. Local agencies will handle ongoing road damage and surface flooding problems.
Assessment teams began checking properties and roads early Sunday morning. Officials focused on Motueka, Riwaka and Taparewa areas first. Emergency managers hope to reach isolated valley communities that have not made contact. Rapid assessment teams will gather information for recovery planning. The damage appears widespread and repairs will take considerable time.
Marlborough officials shifted from emergency response to recovery operations Saturday night. Around 20 people became stranded when the Waiau river flooded their area. Spring Creek and Renwick residents left their homes Friday night as a safety measure. The district council may keep emergency status for five more days. Mayor Nadine Taylor said flood barriers mostly survived the severe weather.
Road crews worked hard to reconnect cut-off communities across both regions. State Highway 6 closed at two points between Kawatiri and Kohatu. Highway 63 remained blocked from Renwick to Saint Arnaud. About 200 people in Wairau lost road access completely. Transportation officials advised only essential travel until repairs finish.
MetService lifted all weather warnings for southern regions Sunday evening. Recovery efforts will officially start Monday morning. Local agencies will handle ongoing road damage and surface flooding problems.
