Severe weather set to continue tomorrow
From Auckland Emergency Management
Auckland, January 30, 2023
As of Monday afternoon, the current set of weather warnings has been upgraded to a Red Warning for Auckland north of Orewa from Tuesday 5 pm to Wednesday 5 am.
Due to the multiple bursts of heavy rainfall experienced since Friday, the region is vulnerable to further rainfall due to ground saturation. This means that even ‘ordinary’ amounts of rainfall will quickly exacerbate existing slips, river levels, and produce further flooding quite quickly.
In addition, this weather event has gale north-easterly winds associated with it, which are expected to cause significant treefall (onto roads and power lines) because of the sopping wet soils.
Orange heavy rain warnings for Auckland south of Orewa and Great Barrier remain in force. Impacts are still expected in these areas.
We urge people to take these warnings seriously and reconsider the need to travel in the time the warnings are in place
If you need to work to prepare your property better for more rainfall, the recommendation is for Aucklanders to do this early tomorrow.
Returning to school and work
We have been advised that due to the possibility of further weather damage leading to more disruption, the Secretary for Education has directed that schools, kura, early learning services and tertiary institutions in the Auckland region (Wellsford to Pukekohe) must close for physical attendance and instruction until 7 February.
Businesses should consider their operational requirements and make an informed decision on working arrangements for staff.
…Not to mention, kids actually need to be at school learning after the past three years of disruption. Prime Minister Hipkins should be owning the decision, reversing it, and letting school Principals, who actually lead schools, make the decision for their school community. 2/2
— David Seymour (@dbseymour) January 30, 2023
Building assessment update
According to Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), to date, 69 red, 300 yellow, and 720 white placards have been issued by building assessment teams. For those who already have had their building assessed:
A red placard means re-entry is prohibited because the building is no longer safe or significantly compromised.
A yellow placard means assessors have concerns about the building’s performance and have restricted entry to part of the building or allow temporary use of the building.
White placards mean the property may have minor damage but is sufficiently safe and inhabitable.
“We have 130 assessors from Auckland Council, USAR and councils across the country. There are 65 teams of two or three working through the impacted areas. This is being scaled up significantly in the coming days. If you are concerned about your home or building and would like to request a building assessment, please call 0800-222200. If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers,” an AEM media release said.
To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800-222200. To report slips on private land contact the landowner, or if you are the landowner, your insurance company.
For landslides that might affect public land, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553.
If your life is at risk, phone 111.
If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800-400100.
Civil Defence Centres
People needing to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone AEM on 0800-222200.
West: St Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston
North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
South: Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
Community info hub
A pop-up community and agency information hub will be open at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge through to Friday and will run from 8 am to 8 pm.
Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.
Donating goods
“We are receiving reports of generous people wanting to donate goods to our Civil Defence Centres. Our centres have what they need at the moment, so please connect with your local community groups and food banks who will be able tell you what items are needed and to get these to the right people,” an AEM official said.
