Venkat Raman
Auckland, January 27, 2023
Mayor Wayne Brown has placed the Auckland region in a state of emergency for the next seven days, following extensive damages to public and private property caused by incessant downpours since this morning (Friday, January 27, 2023).
He signed the declaration at 9.54 pm on the advice of the Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) Duty Controller Andrew Clark.
“This declaration reflects the extent of damage, displacement and disruption caused by this evening’s severe weather event and enables emergency services and response agencies to draw on resources, and enact additional powers, to assist affected Aucklanders,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown said that the region has experienced widespread damage from flooding and torrential rain, with reports of slips and inundation. Infrastructure and emergency services have also been overwhelmed by the impacts of the storm, he said.
Mr Brown said that he has been monitoring the situation in his office all evening and has received continuous updates on the situation from Mr Clark and his team.
“I urge residents affected by flooding to stay safe and take advice from emergency responders. We want to make sure that all residents are kept informed, and that emergency services are able to reach those who are most vulnerable and at risk as quickly as possible. Do not put yourself at risk,” Mr Brown said.
Civil Defence Centre
AEM has opened a Civil Defence Centre to assist displaced people and those needing assistance following today’s severe weather. The Centre is based at Saint Leonards Road School, 15 St Leonards Road, Kelston, West Auckland.
Duty Controller Andrew Clark said that the region is expecting the severe weather to continue until the early hours of tomorrow (Saturday, January 28, 2023).
“There are reports that some parts of the region have experienced a summer’s worth of rain in a few hours and that has resulted in significant flooding. We continue to urge people to be vigilant and keep an eye on the weather forecast and your property. If it is safe to stay home, please do so. If you need to evacuate and can stay with family and friends, please do so in the first instance,” he said.
If evacuation becomes necessary, people may take with them only essentials such as medicines, warm clothing and baby items.
If you need help, or if you wish to report flooding, damage to drains or stormwater issues, please visit https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/report-problem/Pages/report-a-problem.aspx
If your life is at risk, please call phone 111; for urgent accommodation, please call 0800- 222200.
“Emergency responders are working as hard as they can to respond to this situation. Please call only if it is an emergency for the ambulance service. Phone lines will be busy and hence please be patient,” Mr Clark said.
For travel updates, please follow advice on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts or Waka Kotahi website
Auckland Airport shut
Auckland Airport has closed its international terminal check-in due to flooding inside.
An Airport statement apologised for the inconvenience caused to travellers and urged people to check with their airline for the latest information on flights.
It advised people not to go to the international terminal and that damage to its runway lighting caused by an incoming flight has been fixed.
Firefighters said that they are responding to over 1000 calls related to the heavy rain lashing the region. The MetService said that 238 millimetres of rain has fallen across Central Auckland today, of which 131 mm had fallen in two hours.
