Isolated communities across Tāmaki Makaurau received welfare drops of essential supplies over the weekend, helping to tide them over while access to their road, community or area is restored.
Auckland Emergency Management Deputy Controller Rachel Kelleher said support for isolated communities was a priority as the region moved from responding to the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We are continuing to respond to our communities’ needs, in particular our isolated communities, including the delivery of emergency provisions including bottled water, food and sanitary items and more,” she said.
Over the weekend supplies given out via helicopter and trucks including the following:
- 20,100L of water, as well as a tanker for Muriwai
- 11.25 tonnes of food
- 1850L of fuel (1400L of 91, 450L of diesel respectively)
- ~100 boxes of nappies
- 56 portable toilets
The weather may be looking better, but we are asking people to continue to be cautious if they are leaving their homes today.
People are being asked to be vigilant around landslides. Further landslides may occur, so stay away from the affected area.
If you have had damage to your home or property from landslips or flooding, a reminder to take photos of the damage and call your insurer to report the damage. They will advise you what to do next.
Clean up and recovery
If your property was flooded, it’s important to drain, dry and clean it up as quickly as possible.
Floodwater can contain lots of nasty bugs and hazards which can contaminate your home and the things in it.
Cleaning everything will reduce the risk of your and your whanau becoming unwell, including skin and eye infections. Drying out your property and belongings also prevents mould growing in your home. Removing waste and debris and clearing stagnant water will also prevent heath issue from occurring.
If you have contact with flood water, flooded property or items contaminated with flood water or items contaminated with flood water you should wash your hands thoroughly. Ensure you wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where appropriate.
Food safety
- Floodwaters can carry bugs that can contaminate food.
- Take care with food from your fridge and freezer to avoid food poisoning and manage spoilage issues.
- After more than two days without power, perishable foods may not be safe to eat.
Civil defence payments
Civil Defence Payments are available for people who have been affected by the flooding. You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence Payment. Non-Residents may also be eligible. In most cases it doesn’t matter what your income is or what assets you have.
To find out more information head to the Auckland Emergency Management website or call Work and Income on 0800 400 100.
Isolated communities
- The whole of Bethells Beach now has mobile coverage
- Te Henga Valley has had their power restored
- Bethells Beach still has no power – power poles are up, Vector threading lines and anticipate power to be restored today.
Websites have been created for both Piha and Muriwai communities.
Community support Hubs have been set-up in Muriwai at Muriwai Ranger Station on Motutara Road opposite Sand Dunz Beach Café open between the hours of 8am to 6pm and Piha at Piha Surf Lifesaving Club, 23 Marine Parade South.
As we turn our attention to clean-up we anticipate skips will be delivered in the coming days.
Waste collection
Kerbside collections are back to the normal schedule.
As we turn our attention to clean-up, we anticipate skips will be delivered to some West Coast communities in the coming days.
Power
- As of 8am, around 2000 homes and businesses remain without power in the Vector supply area. More than 37,500 homes and businesses have had their power restored.
- Crews are continuing their work today to restore as many properties as possible.
Water
- Watercare is encouraging Aucklanders to use water wisely as the network recovers from the storm and cyclone.
- More information can be found on the Watercare website.
- Community water sites can be found in these locations:
- Piha - Piha Domain Motor Camp
- Muriwai - outside Sand Dunz Café
- Waitākere - Waitākere Hall
- Water tankers are also being made available to North Piha and Muriwai.
Welfare
- There are 8 Civil Defence Centres, shelters, and info hubs open.
- An up-to-date list of where you can go to get help and information is on the Auckland Emergency Management website.
Rapid building assessments
- Auckland Council’s Building Consents team is continually assessing affected buildings.
- The team has issued 202 red placards, 253 yellow placards and 869 white placards relating to Cyclone Gabrielle.
- This is in addition to the 357 red placards, 1943 yellow placards and 3179 white placards issued following the 27 January storm event, although there may be some overlap with the numbers issued in relation to the cyclone.
- Anyone with damage to their house, or who has slips close to their property, please contact RBAcomms@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Safe travel
- There are still roads across the region that remain closed, including partial closures. Go to the Auckland Transport website for more specific information.
- We urge Aucklanders to help by continuing to stay away from areas that are cordoned off.
If you have been affected by recent weather events and need some help, there are support services available. Our website aem.org.nz has all the information.
