Five homes on Gladstone Road near Carterton have been evacuated as a precaution due to rising river levels. The evacuations were coordinated by police and Fire and Emergency (FENZ) as the Tauweru River rose, feeding into the Ruamāhanga River.
Regional Emergency Status
A state of emergency remains in effect for all of Wairarapa and other parts of the Wellington region. However, the order has been lifted for Porirua City, Upper Hutt, and the Kāpiti Coast.
Wellington Region Emergency Management indicated that the state of emergency will continue while assessments for building safety, recovery, and general needs are carried out.
Infrastructure and Community Impact
In the Tararua district, eight roads are closed because of fallen trees, flooding, and slips, while another four have been reduced to a single lane. The community of Ākitio was initially isolated after Coast Road and River Road closed, though four-wheel drive access for emergency vehicles has since been restored.
At the Herbertville Campground, manager Chris Cawsey reported that the flood alert alarm sounded at 1 a.m. When the Wainui River hit five and a half metres. The site has been preparing for a possible self-evacuation, as the river is currently near the 6.5-metre mark where it bursts its banks.
Housing and Facility Damage
Wellington City Council is managing approximately 20 homes that are currently uninhabitable due to severe damage. Some of these properties may be issued ‘dangerous building’ notices.
While most council facilities are expected to reopen on Wednesday, certain locations remain closed. These include the Newlands Library, Island Bay Library, and various sportsfields that are currently unplayable due to saturation.
Future Outlook
Carterton mayor Steve Cretney stated that he does not expect further evacuations as rain is set to ease. River levels are predicted to peak and could slowly recede throughout the night.
Residents in the Tararua district have been urged by mayor Scott Gilmore to remain vigilant while the district remains under a heavy rain warning until midnight.
Further updates on the state of emergency may follow as recovery assessments continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the homes in Gladstone evacuated?
The homes on Gladstone Road were evacuated as a precaution by police and Fire and Emergency because the Tauweru River, which feeds into the Ruamāhanga River, was rising due to ongoing rain.
Which areas of the Wellington region still have a state of emergency?
The state of emergency remains in place for all of Wairarapa and all other parts of the Wellington region, excluding Upper Hutt, Porirua City, and the Kāpiti Coast.
What is the status of council facilities in Wellington?
Most facilities will reopen on Wednesday, but the Newlands Library, Island Bay Library, and sodden sportsfields will remain closed.
How should communities better prepare for the recurring threat of river flooding?
