Bay of Plenty Struggles with Flooding and Landslides, Roads Closed and Rescues Made

Parts of the Bay of Plenty region in New Zealand are currently facing severe weather challenges, with flooding and landslides causing widespread disruption. Emergency services have been deployed to manage the situation, while local authorities have issued urgent warnings to residents and travelers.

Flooding Cuts Off Access to Ōpōtiki

Access to Ōpōtiki, a key area in the Bay of Plenty, has been cut off due to severe flooding and multiple road closures. The Whakatāne District Council has activated its Emergency Operations Centre in response to the crisis.

A Person Rescued from Floodwaters

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) reported that a person was rescued from floodwaters in Ōpōtiki on Wednesday afternoon. The individual had driven into flooded waters and was found sitting on their car roof before being safely extracted by emergency staff.

Major Road Closures and Delays

State Highway 2, near Ōpōtiki, has been closed between Taneatua Road and Wainui Road due to flooding. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has confirmed that there is currently no route available between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki, resulting in significant disruption and delays. Residents are being urged to avoid all non-essential travel in the area.

Wainui Road Underwater

According to the Whakatāne District Council, Wainui Road is completely underwater, with surface flooding exceeding 200mm in some areas. This has further compounded the challenges for local residents and emergency responders.

Other Road Closures and Reopenings

State Highway 30 between Tiketere and State Highway 34 has been reopened with stop-go traffic management after being closed on Wednesday morning due to multiple landslides. However, conditions remain volatile, and there is no confirmed timeframe for when either route will be fully reopened.

MetService Notes Rainband Movement

MetService reported that a significant rainband has been affecting the country, leading to widespread flooding, power outages, and landslides. While the rainband is beginning to clear in some areas, it continues to impact the Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel Peninsula. Some regions received over 170mm of rain, with ongoing rainfall expected in the coming days.

Community Impact and Response

Local Duty Controller Nicholas Woodley expressed concern over the uncertainty and disruption faced by residents, particularly those unable to return home. He emphasized the importance of patience and adherence to safety guidelines as conditions remain unpredictable.

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence on High Alert

The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is monitoring the situation closely and has received reports of localized flooding as the rain continues. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official advisories to ensure their safety.

Advice for Drivers

The NZTA has issued specific advice for drivers in the area, urging them to slow down, increase following distances, and drive to the conditions. It is strongly recommended to avoid driving through floodwaters, as this can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

What’s Next?

As the rainband continues to move, local authorities and emergency services will remain on high alert. The situation highlights the importance of preparedness and the need for communities to stay informed and follow official guidance during extreme weather events.