Wednesday, May 1, 2024

UPDATE: Clean-up and storm response continues

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Auckland Emergency Management has provided its latest update on the state o the region. Photo RNZ Katie Todd

Last night, Metservice issued a new heavy rain watch for the Hunua Ranges and Coromandel Peninsula from noon today to 6am Friday.

Auckland Emergency Management expects showers to develop this afternoon, becoming more frequent this evening, before hopefully easing Friday morning and clearing. 

Getting around

Work continues across the Auckland region to clean up further damage that occurred across our road and public transport network yesterday, along with the extensive damage that resulted from Friday’s event.

Auckland Transport continues to urge Aucklanders to take care when travelling on the network.

  • AT has had more than 550 road maintenance crew members out across the region yesterday (Wednesday) working to reopen roads. 
  • They are making good progress and since Saturday, 49 roads have been restored and reopened.
  • 39 roads are currently partly or fully closed with other lane closures on the network.

Public transport

  • Rail services will run to reduced timetables on the Western (between Newmarket and Swanson with a transfer required at New Lynn), Southern (Papakura to Britomart via the Eastern Line) and Eastern Line (between Manukau and Otahuhu with a transfer required at Otahuhu to Southern Line services to complete the journey).
  • Bus rail replacement services continue between Britomart and Newmarket, Onehunga Line and Southern Line between Ōtāhuhu and Newmarket.
  • Bus services are operating on all routes with extended journey times due to detours as a result of road closures.
  • Dedicated school bus services are being reinstated where schools will be opening today.
  • Passengers wanting to travel on public transport services should check the AT Mobile app or AT website for the latest information on public transport services before they travel.
  • Ferry services are operating reduced timetables. One exception is Gulf Harbour which will continue to operate with a bus replacement.
  • AT undertook a successful welfare run to Rakino Island yesterday afternoon and reinstatement of regular services has yet to be confirmed.
  • For the latest information on road closures and public transport, check: at.govt.nz/weatherwatch.

Welfare

  • There are four Civil Defence Centres open at Māngere, Randwick Park, Albany and Kelston.
  • Our Kelston centre will be transitioning to Henderson from today. The new address will be Bruce McLaren Community Centre at HubWest, 29 Corban Avenue, Henderson.    
  • There are also four community information hubs open 9-5pm at:  
    • Te Manawa, Westgate – 11 Kohuhu Lane (9am-5pm) 
    • New Lynn Community Centre – 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn (9am-5pm) 
    • Fickling Convention Centre – 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings (9am-5pm) 
    • Birkenhead Leisure Centre – 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead (9am-5pm) 
  • If you need any support and assistance – please call us on 0800 22 22 00.

Water and wastewater

  • Watercare crews have begun the clean-up and have been working extended hours to get Auckland running again.  
  • Due to the volume of overflows, it may be a couple of days before these are all dealt with. Watercare is sending texts to the customers who reported overflows they haven’t got to yet. 
  • Watercare is attending to and cleaning-up after all known wastewater overflows from their manholes.
  • Please remember to treat all floodwater as contaminated, wear protective clothing and wash hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food. 
  • We expect Wairau Pump Station to be operating at full capacity again today. 

 Landslips

  • There is a high risk of more landslips as a result of the weather we’ve seen, such as the significant collapses on the north shore and in Āwhitu yesterday.  
  • Auckland Council geotechnical engineers and building inspectors are prioritising assessments where properties are at risk. 

Waste

  • To help with the clean-up council now has 15 drop off facilities around the region where people can drop off storm-related debris. For uninsured people the drop off is free.  
  • If you want to take your waste to one of these stations, please phone Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00 to confirm your visit.  
  • The first step for insured people who want to dispose of storm-related waste is to contact their insurer and they will advise the next steps as policies do differ. 

Swimming

  • We’re seeing more sun in the weather forecast, but all urban beaches in Auckland have black “do not swim” pins due to being contaminated by flood water.  
  • Check Safeswim to see when it is safe to return to the water. 

Lifts

  • We are aware we have over 200 situations where high rise buildings have lifts not working because of flooding into basements and lift shafts.
  • We are in contact with the major lift companies and are assured they are working as quickly as possible on the problem.
  • This may mean difficult access for residents who may have to walk up many floors to and from home. If this causes issues for you, please remember you can call us on 0800 22 22 00 for help.
  • We urge Aucklanders to check on their neighbours and alert us if there is anyone who needs our assistance.

More from Times Online

Latest

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -