Weather update #9

DCC closing Emergency Response Centre

The Dunedin City Council’s Emergency Operations Centre will close at 3.30pm as its response to the significant rain event of the past 36 hours transitions from emergency to recovery.

“According to MetService, there are no further weather warnings in place for Dunedin. With this information, along with input from emergency services and from our crews and contractors around the region, we have made the decision to close the EOC,” says Incident Controller Chris Henderson.

“We will continue our efforts to clear drains and debris, assess any damage or safety issues and carry out repairs and maintenance.”

With surface water remaining in some areas, residents should continue to exercise caution and be mindful of any hazards or impacts from the heavy rains.

“Rivers and streams have peaked, and water levels are subsiding, but there is standing water in places and some debris along roads, footpaths and in public spaces,” Mr Henderson says. “We ask the public’s patience as we work through any issues. But please reach out to DCC if there are specific concerns.”

Safety remains priority

DCC is also reminding swimmers, surfers and shellfish gatherers to stay out of the water for the 72-hours due to the risk of contamination from wet weather overflows.

The heavy rain event experienced in Dunedin has meant wet weather overflows have been discharged to the sea via the Lawyers Head outfall and other waterways.

No seafood gathered during this period should be consumed.

All flood waters should also be treated as contaminated as well, as should any objects – such as sandbags – which have come into contact with flood waters.

“Please leave any sandbags on the side of the road for collection by our contractors, and don’t forget to wear gloves if you’re moving these items.”

Weather event

Mr Henderson said the work that DCC contractors and crew did in advance of the start of the rain on Sunday helped to minimise impacts.

“Teams were out clearing the stormwater systems and gutters and checking mud tanks in high-risk areas and that was certainly beneficial as we did get more rain that was initially forecast,” he says.

As further rain is expected later this week, the public is asked to continue to be vigilant and watch weather forecasts on the Dunedin Weather Forecast | MetService.

“Again, I have to thank the public for taking notice of and respecting official advisories and to the workers who responded on the weekend and overnight to help keep us safe. We appreciate the community effort,” Mr Henderson says.

Updates and further information are available on the DCC web site www.dcc.govt.nz and social media channels. Additional help is available by calling the customer service at 03 477-4000.

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