Auckland Emergency Management has been supporting the communities of east Auckland since the tornado-like weather event around 9pm last night (Sunday 9 April).
Group Controller Mace Ward says today’s efforts have focussed on surveying the extent of the damaged caused by the tornado, coordinating building assessments and clean-up efforts.
“While the final number of properties affected last night is still being collated, it is clear that much of the damage is concentrated in a narrow strip, running from the Pakuranga Golf Club, south east to Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush.
“There are two main areas of damage – a pocket in Golflands and a longer swath from the Greenmount Park area to Barry Curtis Park.
“Many property owners and residents will still have a clean-up effort in front of them,” he says.
Householders should take photographs of damage and contact their insurers before starting any clean-up work. Many insurers offer online and after-hours claims services too.
“Significant repair work, like roofing and structural repairs, should be carried out by accredited building contractors or suppliers and following approval by your insurers – this avoids issues that might arise in the future if you have used unauthorised contractors,” says Mr Ward.
Auckland Council building inspectors began assessing affected properties this morning and Manager Field Surveying Jeff Fahrensohn says his 12 teams (of two inspectors) carried out around 60-70 assessments.
“The majority of properties have been white placarded and around ten yellow placards have been issued.
“Occupants in the yellow placarded properties can remain in their homes but must avoid hazardous areas identified on the placard – in this case that is areas of the home affected by roof damage like loose or missing tiles.
“No red placards have been issued,” says Mr Fahrensohn.
Mr Fahrensohn says the building assessment process is largely complete however they could expect to visit a few more properties in the coming days. If your home was damaged during the tornado and you think it requires a building assessment, please contact the council on 09 301 0101.
Civil defence centre to close this evening
The civil defence centre operating out of the Howick Leisure Centre will close at 5pm this evening.
“The centre opened at 11pm last night and has been staffed by Auckland Emergency Management and Red Cross personnel.
“While it has been important to provide somewhere for people to seek shelter or assistance, the centre has experienced very low demand – welcoming only three households requesting information.
“This is pleasing as it tells us that people have been supported by whānau and friends, and that damage to property hasn’t displaced many residents,” says Mr Ward.
Important information
- Fire and Emergency NZ responded to around 50 callouts overnight and Auckland Council’s own council request for service process logged around 10 jobs, largely for tree and debris clearance.
- The council’s Parks and Community Facilities team and contractors are in the area today continuing clean-up efforts on public land.
- The council’s Solid Waste team is also assessing the area today and will advise on waste removal solutions in the coming days.
The weather ahead
The next few days look likely to bring more unsettled weather to the Auckland region. People should stay up to date with MetService forecasts and plan ahead, especially if travelling after the holiday weekend or making school holiday plans.
There is also a possibility of more tornado conditions but, as always, it is hard to pick where the greatest risk is and almost impossible to predict where a tornado might appear, so remember:
- If you see a tornado, seek shelter immediately.
- If you’re inside, stay away from doors and windows, and downstairs if you’re in a multistorey building.
- For added protection, get under something sturdy, cover your body with a blanket or mattress and protect your head with your hands.
- If you’re outside, lay flat in a gully, ditch or low spot on the ground and protect your head with an object or your arms.
- If you’re in a car, pull over and shelter in a low spot (not under or near the car).
- And if your life or property is at risk, phone 111 for emergency services.
Map broadly showing the areas of east Auckland affected by Sunday night's tornado
