MetService has warned that thunderstorms may be on the way to areas already heavily affected by Cyclone Gabrielle - “especially about Bay of Plenty, the ranges of Gisborne and northern Hawkes Bay” and are forecasted to start from 3 pm and last until 10 pm.
This means that what’s already bad damage could become worse.
Here’s the official advice on how to stay safe in turbulent weather. For all weather warnings by Met Service, visit here.
At the bottom of this article is a list of welfare centres to go to if you cannot be at home.
Floodwater
Civil Defence is asking all of us to avoid floodwater. It may look like a pool in your backyard, and it’s tempting to film a quick TikTok, but the water is contaminated and even when shallow, the running water can sweep you away mighty quickly.
Their website states: “Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles.”
“Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.”
If you do happen to come into contact with the floodwater, “thoroughly clean hands, clothes and any property” the water has touched.
It is possible your property may begin to flood. Civil Defense advises getting prepared in case you need to evacuate.
Take your pets with you if you have to leave. Turn off water, electricity, and gas if you are advised to. Check on your neighbours.
“Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items.”
After Flooding
Only return home after Civil Defence and emergency services have told you it is safe to do so.
When returning home, watch your step as floors may be slippery, uneven and/or covered with debris.
Make sure to capture photos of any damage, contact insurers ASAP, and if you’re renting, make sure your landlord is aware of any damage/issues immediately.
Do not do anything that may put you or anyone else at risk.
Utilities
NZ Transport Agency has advised avoiding travelling if you do not have to.
Updates/Resources
Civil Defence has released an easy-to-read PDF with information about the flooding and what to do to make sure you stay safe in these uncertain times.
To volunteer, visit Volunteering Hawke’s Bay, Volunteering Northland, Volunteering Bay of Plenty, Volunteering Auckland or Volunteering Waikato.
To help with the cleanup, you can join the Student Volunteer Army https://sva.org.nz/.
Orange Sky, which offers laundry and shower services, welcomes donations of toiletries (but not towels or blankets as they have no storage). Details on www.orangesky.org.
Gisborne Welfare Centres
- Gisborne city - Ilminster School, House of Breakthrough, Te Poho o Rawiri Marae
- Potaka - Potaka Marae evacuation centres
- Hicks Bay - Hicks Bay Motel Lodge
- Te Araroa - Awatere Marae, Hinepare Marae
- Awatere/Whakaangiangi/Kopuapounamu - Awatere Marae, Horoera Matahi Marae
- Tikitiki - Rahui Marae, Rangitukia, Ohinewaiapu
- Ruatoria - Mangahanea Marae, Whakarua, Tikapa, Te Heapara Marae, Hiruharama Marae, Penu Marae
- Te Puia Springs/Waipiro Bay - Taharora Marae, Waipiro Bay School, Backpackers at Te Puia Springs Pub
- Tokomaru Bay - sports centre (CD Hub), Tuatini Marae
- Tolaga Bay - Hauiti Marae
- Te Karaka - Te Karaka Area School
- Manutuke - Whakato Marae, Takitimu Marae, Waituhi and Pātutahi
- Patutahi - community hall
Bay of Plenty Welfare Centres
Tauranga shelters:
- Baypark Stadium: 81 Truman Lane
- Tamapahore Marae: 46 Tareha Ln, Mangatawa
- Huria Marae: 1 Te Kaponga St, Brookfield
- Hungahungatoroa Marae: 29a Hungahungatorora Rd, Matapihi
- Whetu Marae: 612 Welcome Bay Rd
Western Bay of Plenty shelters:
- RSA Waihī Beach – 99 Beach Rd, Waihī Beach
- Pongakawa Action Centre – 956 Old Coach Rd
- Tuapiro Marae - 24 Hikurangi Rd, Tahawai
- Orchard Church in Te Puke – 20 MacLoughlin Drive, Te Puke
- Katikati Baptist Church – 2 Wedgewood St, Katikati
- Athenree Homestead and Station - 360 Athenree Rd, Athenree Gorge
Eastern Bay of Plenty shelters:
- Whakatāne War Memorial Hall - Short St, Whakatāne
- Fire and Emergency NZ station Waihau Bay - 113 State Highway 35
- Tawaroa Station - 147 Tawaroa Station Rd
- Te Kaha Marae - State Highway 35
- Te Kura Mana Maori O Maraenui - 11 Maraenui Pa Rd, Hawai 3199
- Torere Kura -2276 State Highway 35, Opotiki
- Ōpape Marae - 76C Opape Rd, Toatoa 3197
- Ōpōtiki College - 22 Saint John St, Ōpōtiki 3122
- Te Rere Marae - 50A Te Rere Pa Rd, Ōtara 3197
- Kutarere School - 461 State Highway 2, Kutarere 3198
Hawkes Bay Welfare Centres
- Omahu residents can seek help at the Hastings Sports’ Centre, 503 Railway Road, Hastings.
- Taradale community can seek help at St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ School, 25 Osier Road, Greenmeadows, Napier
