January Storm Event

January 29, 2023

Source: Auckland Council

It’s not over yet – heavy rain watch for parts of Auckland
15:28, Sunday 29 January

“Of significant interest to us all today is the weather situation over the coming days. More rain today may cause further issues with our recovery.

“We are continuing to work closely with our response partners and utilsing our Auckland Council teams to provide support to communities and respond to issues on the ground,” says Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Rachel Kelleher.

MetService have a severe thunderstorm watch in force for north Auckland tonight and overnight.

Key to note is the risk of localised downpours north of Orewa tonight and overnight (7pm Sunday – 6am Monday). Also, heavy rain and northeasterly gales return to Auckland on Wednesday.

Put safety first and do not take any chances – it’s not over yet.

Where: North Auckland, north of about Orewa (e.g. especially Wellsford, Warkworth and hills in the vicinity)
Risk of localise downpours: High intensity rain rates 20-40 mm per hour
If rain rates of this intensity occur, localised flooding and slip impacts are expected.
Risk period: Brief thunderstorms, any time between 7pm tonight (Sunday) and dawn (6am) Monday.

If you need to travel, be sure to check road conditions before you go. If you’re cleaning storm debris this afternoon, keep an eye on the weather and don’t take unnecessary risks. Stay up to date at www.metservice.com.

Building Assessment Update

There are 130 assessors on the ground, working in 65 teams covering a wide area from Wellsford to Pukekohe. Rapid building assessments take about 20 minutes each. The teams are issuing placards when required, and leaving information for homeowners.
There have been 10 additional red placards, bringing the total to 19 so far.
As information comes through from the teams on where damage is more concentrated, we’re moving more teams into those areas to progress building assessments quickly. These teams will keep working as long as it is safe to do so.
The urban search and rescue (USAR) teams are working alongside building assessors, and using drones to survey streams to check for blockages that can’t be seen from the ground.
A message for the building industry: we ask for your patience as there may be delays as our teams work through this. We have requested additional building assessors from MBIE to work this through as quickly as possible.

Power

As at 10am, 98 per cent of flood related outages had been restored by Vector. Around 700 properties are still without power. Most will be restored today, except for 300 on Kawau Island.

Water supply update

Addressing water supply issues is a priority.
There are several water supply issues throughout west Auckland. Customers are reporting low water pressure, no water or discoloured water.
Watercare are closely monitoring the impact on our water and wastewater operations. You can find updates on Watercare’s website.

Wastewater network update

There have been numerous overflows caused across Auckland, due to our wastewater networks and treatment plants being overwhelmed by stormwater.
The most significant issue currently is on the North Shore. We are working to restore service to several pump stations, including Wairau, Alma and Blackrock. We ask and encourage people on the North Shore to reduce their water use, to reduce the volume of wastewater leaving their properties.
We encourage people to stay away from beaches and waterways, as there is the potential for wastewater contamination. The Safeswim website has information about beach water quality.
We are prioritising overflows that are damaging private property. Most of the clean-up activity will need to occur when the rain stops – when the overflows will stop flowing.

If you need help

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.

To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
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 urgentaccommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.

Civil Defence Centres

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

West: 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 at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge. Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.

Sunday 29 January 2023, 11am – 3pm
Monday 30 January 2023, 8am – 8pm.

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Emergency response and clean-up continues

08:00, Sunday 29 January

Heavy rain watch for today

We currently have a Heavy Rain Watch in place from this morning through until 6am Monday. This may be revised later today (Sunday 29 January).
We are expecting rain to move into Tāmaki Makaurau throughout today (Sunday 29 January) with the potential for bursts of heavy rain with impacts felt later this afternoon and overnight.
Flood water can rise quickly so avoid unnecessary travel, put your safety first and stay out of flood water. Remember, if your life, health, or property is in danger, phone 111.

Building inspections

Yesterday more than 72 Auckland Council building inspectors performed rapid impact assessments, at the same time addressing high priority building assessments in affected areas. These assessments have informed a full-scale scale rapid building assessment programme which commenced at 07:30 today.
Today’s operation involves 130 council inspectors, including 15 from across the country. This work is supplemented by structural and geotechnical engineers. This programme will continue until all buildings in the impacted area are assessed – assessments have been carried out over 25 suburbs so it will take some time to complete.
While many buildings have suffered little damage, this will not be the case for all buildings. To date, 9 red placards have been issued with more expected to be issued following inspections today.
This is an important step in understanding the damage, and getting people back into their homes and buildings, where it is safe to do so.

Cleaning up after a flood

It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.
Wear protective clothing and wash hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
Contact your insurer before starting clean up. Take photos and videos of the damage and anything that needs to be thrown – you’ll need these for insurance purposes.
You can find more detailed information on how to safely clean up after a flood, including how to dispose of storm debris, on the Auckland Council website.
Be mindful of manholes, which may have shifted in the flooding. To report a problem with a manhole on public property or catchpit, visit the Auckland Council website or call 09 301 0101.

If you need help

To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log your issue online at govt.nz/report-problem.
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 400 100.

Civil Defence Centres

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

West: 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.

New community info hub opens in Māngere

A pop-up community and agency information hub will be at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge from today Sunday 29 January 2023, 11am – 3pm. Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.

20:52, Saturday 28 January, update #8

After less rain today, Auckland Emergency Management is reminding Aucklanders that more wet weather is anticipated over the long weekend, and to stay safe.

Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Rachel Kelleher says the clean-up around the region is underway, with Civil Defence Centres and our welfare team supporting Aucklanders needing assistance.

“This has been an incredibly challenging 24 hours for our communities and recovery will take some time,” she says.

“We want people to keep themselves safe, keep an eye on upcoming weather reports and to stay home if it is safe to do so. MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island which is valid for Sunday.

“Roads and infrastructure around the region have been impacted and are being assessed as quickly as possible; Auckland Council’s building inspection teams are on the ground scoping the damage to people’s properties,” she says.

“Overnight our advice remains the same, please stay at home if it is safe to do so and avoid any unnecessary travel. If you do need to evacuate, please do not drive through floodwaters and remember to take essential items with you.”

New community info hub opens in Māngere

A pop-up community and agency information hub will be at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge from tomorrow Sunday 29 January 2023, 11 – 3pm. Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support.

New rhythm for daily updates

Tomorrow Auckland Emergency Management starts a new rhythm for its daily updates. On Sunday 29 and Monday 30 January, updates will be given at 8am, 1pm and 4pm. We will share a summary of each update on our social media channels (twitter.com/aucklandcdem and facebook.com/aklcdem) too.

If you need help

To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log your issue online at govt.nz/report-problem.
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 400 100.

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.

Civil Defence Centres

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

West: 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.

Financial assistance

If you have been directly affected by the Auckland floods and you are on a benefit or low income, call Work and Income on 0800 400 100.

Further information about support available from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can be found on the Work and Income website www.workandincome.govt.nz.

If you have urgent needs as a result of being displaced by the flood, you can look for providers on www.familyservices.govt.nz.

Animals and pets

If your animal is still left in your house please contact Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 for assistance.

If you are unable to return to your house and you have a pet that you cannot take with you to temporary accommodation please call us.

If your animal was injured as a result of the flooding please have it checked out by your veterinarian.

Rubbish and waste

Any scheduled kerbside collections will continue unless a specific area is informed of cancellation.

Storm debris and green waste

Public land: report storm debris or fallen trees and vegetation on public land to Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00 or on our website (www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz) via our ‘Report a problem’ tool.
Streams and waterways: for significant blockages or debris (including vehicles) in streams and waterways, please phone 0800 22 22 00 or stormwateroperationsnorth@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Private land: storm debris on private land as result of the storm event can be taken to the Waitakere Transfer Station.

Phone ahead – You will need to provide your name, address and vehicle registration to make the process easy at the gate. There is no cost for the disposal of storm debris.

Building waste

Contact your insurer first: confirm the process for disposing of building-related debris, including soft furnishings and damaged household items with your insurance company before going to a transfer station.
You can find more information and advice on the Insurance Council website, www.icnz.org.nz.

If you don’t have insurance or a way of getting to a transfer station, phone us on 0800 22 22 00 so we can look at the best option to help you. Please don’t dispose of waste by illegal dumping. You can report illegal dumping to the council on 0800 NO DUMP.

Manhole covers

To report a problem with a manhole on public property or catchpit, visit the Auckland Council website or call 09 301 0101.

To report a problem with a wastewater manhole contact https://www.watercare.co.nz/Faults-outages/Report-a-fault

Auckland Council services

Auckland Council is regularly updating its website with details on any interruptions to services or facilities closures. Find out more here.

Water

Watercare is providing regular updates of impacts to the water and wastewater network on its website.

Water from the tap is safe to drink.

Watercare is prioritising overflows that are damaging private property. Most of the clean-up activity will need to occur when the rain stops.

Many beaches around the region have been impacted by wastewater overflows, and swimming is not advised. Check Safeswim for water quality information.

Rapid building assessments

Auckland Council’s building inspectors are on the ground conducting impact assessments across the region. This is to understand the scope and scale of any damage, and for us to prioritise rapid building assessments. This will take time.

Transport

Many roads have reopened but there is still damage and some closures around the region. Keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts, visiting its website for detailed information on road closures and service disruptions and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.

Cleaning up after a flood

It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.

If your gas meter has been affected by water or debris, contact your gas supplier.
Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood by wearing protective clothing and washing hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
Keep children and animals away from previously flooded areas until they have been cleaned and made safe.
Take photos and videos of the damage and anything that needs to be thrown away before starting the clean-up, for insurance purposes.
Clean up, drain, and dry inside as quickly as possible. Take out everything that is wet and that can be moved – floor coverings, furniture, bedding, clothing, etc., and put them outside to dry when the weather is fine.
Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater, including things stored in containers.
Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded. Clean up and remove debris and sprinkle gardens with lime (which can be purchased at garden centres).

Clean up begins around storm damaged region

13:30, Saturday 28 January, update #7

Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Andrew Clark says clean up is underway following the impact of Auckland’s wettest day on record.

“Auckland Emergency Management and Auckland Council is getting a picture of the sheer scale of the impact after yesterday’s storm.

“Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Police have responded to over 2000 call outs, which included people trapped in homes and cars as a result of the flooding.

“Landslips and flooding have closed multiple roads in the region, including sections of both routes north, SH1 and SH16. Up to 265mm of rain fell in some areas.”

Civil Defence Centres are open in Kelston, Albany and Randwick Park, offering respite and support and community-led centres have opened up across the region and are being promoted locally. Around 70 people have visited the Civil Defence Centres since they opened yesterday.

A civil defence emergency was declared yesterday and remains in place.

“We are encouraging people to stay safe, check in on whānau and friends and look after each other.”

If you need help

To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log your issue online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/report-problem.
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 400 100.

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.

Civil Defence Centres (28 January 2023)

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre.

West: 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.

Financial assistance

If you have been directly affected by the Auckland floods and you are on a benefit or low income, call Work and Income on 0800 400 100.

Further information about support available from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can be found on the Work and Income website www.workandincome.govt.nz.

If you have urgent needs as a result of being displaced by the flood, you can look for providers on www.familyservices.govt.nz.

Rubbish and waste

Any scheduled kerbside collections will continue unless a specific area is informed of cancellation.

Water

Watercare is providing regular updates of impacts to the water and wastewater network on its website.

Water from the tap is safe to drink.

Watercare is prioritising overflows that are damaging private property. Most of the clean-up activity will need to occur when the rain stops, as this is when the overflows will stop flowing.

Many beaches around the region have been impacted by wastewater overflows, and swimming is not advised. Check Safeswim for water quality information.

Rapid building assessments

Transport

Civil Defence Centres

West: 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.

Cleaning up after a flood

It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.

If your gas meter has been affected by water or debris, contact your gas supplier.
Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood by wearing protective clothing and washing hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
Keep children and animals away from previously flooded areas until they have been cleaned and made safe.
Take photos and videos of the damage and anything that needs to be thrown away before starting the clean-up, for insurance purposes.
Clean up, drain, and dry inside as quickly as possible. Take out everything that is wet and that can be moved – floor coverings, furniture, bedding, clothing, etc., and put them outside to dry when the weather is fine.
Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater, including things stored in containers.
Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded. Clean up and remove debris and sprinkle gardens with lime (which can be purchased at garden centres).

Auckland wakes to storm impact and clean-up begins

10:00, Saturday 28 January, update #6

Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Andrew Clark says Saturday morning and daylight reveals the first true understanding of the impact of yesterday’s storm.

“Auckland was clobbered on Friday – Auckland’s wettest day on record – and today we start the clean-up.

“We won’t start to get a good idea of numbers affected until later today and, even then, this will take time, with information still coming in and many assessments to complete,” says Andrew.

“We understand Aucklanders will be anxious to return to their homes to survey the damage, but we urge them to do so with caution.

“Please do not drive through floodwaters and remember hazards and debris could lurk beneath the surface, and floodwaters may be contaminated.

“If your property has been damaged, please take pictures for your insurance company and contact them as soon as you can,” he says.

Civil Defence Centres are open in Kelston, Albany and Randwick Park, offering respite and support and community-led centres have opened up across the region and are being promoted locally.

Civil Defence Centres

West: 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.

If you need help

To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log you issue online at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/report-problem.
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 400 100.

Water supply and wastewater network

Watercare’s water treatment plants are operating and your water is safe to drink.

Residents living in Titirangi, Woodlands Park, Oratia, Greenbay, Waima and elevated sections of Scenic Drive are likely to have no water or low water pressure for at least the next 48 hours.

A 30-metre-long section of water pipe that ran along Scenic Drive in Titirangi was washed away with the road due to a landslide. It will be challenging to repair due to the extent of the damage and access to the site.

Watercare is sending out water tankers to the area. Customers will be able to fill up their water bottles from the tankers.

Residents on the North Shore are asked to reduce their water use. Please keep your showers short and do not use your washing machines. This is to reduce the volume of wastewater leaving your properties.

A wastewater pump station on Wairau Road that serves several suburbs on the North Shore has been flooded. This means the pump station is overflowing into a nearby waterway.

The wastewater networks and treatment plants have been overwhelmed by stormwater, causing numerous overflows across Auckland.

Watercare is prioritising overflows that are damaging private property. Most of the clean-up activity will need to occur when the rain stops, as this is when the overflows will stop flowing.

For more information, visit Watercare’s dedicated information page.

Cleaning up after a flood

It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.

If your gas meter has been affected by water or debris, contact your gas supplier.
Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood by wearing protective clothing and washing hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
Keep children and animals away from previously flooded areas until they have been cleaned and made safe.
Take photos and videos of the damage and anything that needs to be thrown away before starting the clean-up, for insurance purposes.
Clean up, drain, and dry inside as quickly as possible. Take out everything that is wet and that can be moved – floor coverings, furniture, bedding, clothing, etc., and put them outside to dry when the weather is fine.
Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater, including things stored in containers.
Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded. Clean up and remove debris and sprinkle gardens with lime.

Keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.

North Shore Civil Defence Centre moves to Massey University’s Albany Campus

03:20, Saturday 28 January, update #5

The Civil Defence Centre that had opened at the North Shore Events Centre has been moved to Massey University’s Albany Campus.

Those who are displaced or need assistance can access the centre via the main entrance at Gate 1. It is located at Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17.

Security will be on-site at the North Shore Events Centre to redirect anyone needing assistance.

Important information for Saturday morning

“With daybreak will come a greater understanding of the impacts of this event,” says Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Andrew Clark.

“We understand Aucklanders will be anxious to return to their homes to survey the damage, but we urge them to do so with caution.

“Please do not drive through floodwaters and remember hazards and debris could lurk beneath the surface, and floodwaters may be contaminated.

“If your property has been damaged, please take pictures for your insurance company and contact them as soon as you can.”

Civil Defence Centres

Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston
Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.

If you need help

Auckland Emergency Management advises that people keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.

Auckland Emergency Management opens two more Civil Defence Centres
00:43, Saturday 28 January, update #4

Auckland Emergency Management has opened two further Civil Defence Centres to assist those that have been displaced or need assistance following the recent severe weather – one on the North Shore and one in the South.

One of the centres has been established at the North Shore Events Centre (Eventfinda Stadium) at 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley.

The second is located at Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park.

Auckland Emergency Management’s Duty Controller Andrew Clark says this has been a fast-evolving and far-reaching event.

“The flooding we have seen has been widespread and our first responders are working hard to urgently get to those who need assistance.

“We now have three Civil Defence Centres open for those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau – one in the west, one in the north and another in the south.

“If you do need to evacuate, please take care and remember to bring essential items with you, such as warm clothes, medicines and baby items.

“Please remember to never drive through floodwaters.

“If you are in immediate danger, please call 111 – but please only do so in an emergency so that those in trouble can be prioritised.”

Civil Defence Centres

Saint Leonard’s Road School, 15 St. Leonard’s Road, Kelston
North Shore Events Centre / Eventfinda Stadium, 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley
Manu Takutaku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
Bring with you any essential items you may need for the evening, e.g., medication, warm clothing, baby items.

If you need help

As the situation continues to evolve, Auckland Emergency Management advises that people keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.

Auckland declares state of local emergency
22:17, Friday 27 January, update #3

Mayor Wayne Brown has tonight declared a state of local emergency in the Auckland region.

“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,” says Mayor Brown.

The region has experienced widespread damage from flooding and torrential rain, with reports of slips and inundation. Infrastructure and emergency services alike have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the storm.

The declaration of state of local emergency comes into force immediately and expires in seven days.

Mayor Brown has been closely monitoring the situation in his office all evening and has received continuous updates on the situation from Auckland Emergency Management, including the Duty Controller and his team. The declaration was signed immediately following formal advice from the Duty Controller of Auckland Emergency Management that it was required.

Mayor Brown is urging 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 emergency services are able to reach those who are most vulnerable and at risk as quickly as possible. Do not put yourself at risk,” he says.

Auckland Emergency Management opens Civil Defence Centre
Friday 27 January, update #2

Auckland Emergency Management has opened a Civil Defence Centre to assist those that have been displaced or need assistance following today’s severe weather.

The centre is open now and is based at Saint Leonards Road School, 15 St. Leonards Road, Kelston.

Auckland Emergency Management’s Duty Controller Andrew Clark says the region is expecting the severe weather to continue until the early hours of tomorrow.

“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.

“If you have nowhere to go or are in need of assistance, we have established a Civil Defence Centre at Kelston.

“Please remember to never drive through floodwaters.

“If you do need to evacuate, please take essential items, like medicines, with you.”

Civil Defence Centre

Saint Leonard’s Road School, 15 St. Leonard’s Road, Kelston
Bring with you any essential items you may need for the evening, e.g., medication, warm clothing, baby items.

If you need help

“Emergency responders are working as hard as they can to respond to this situation. Please only call if for an ambulance if it is an emergency and remember, phone lines will be busy, so please be patient,” says Mr Clark.

Elton John concert cancelled

“Auckland, due to unsafe weather conditions, tonight’s Elton John concert for Friday 27 January will not be proceeding. The team is assessing things and will keep everyone across with further updates here. Thank you for your understanding,” said the concert promoter Frontier Touring, on Facebook.

Auckland Emergency Management prepares to assist emergency services
18:00, Friday 27 January, update #1

Auckland Emergency Management has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre and is prepared to support Auckland’s Emergency Services if needed, following periods of intense rain today.

Auckland Emergency Management’s Duty Controller Andrew Clark says it is an evolving situation and that they are working with partner agencies to monitor the situation on the ground and to establish what assistance is required.

“Auckland has experienced significant rainfall today and we are hearing reports of flooding in some parts of the region.

“We are urging people to be vigilant and if you live in a flood prone area, be prepared to evacuate.

“If it is safe to do so, stay home but if your life or property is in danger, please call 111 immediately.”

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is urging residents affected by flooding to stay safe and take advice from emergency responders.

MIL OSI

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