Road Between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki to Be Reopened After Flooding Assessment

After a night of heavy rainfall and landslides, authorities are preparing to assess the road connecting Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki for potential reopening. The heavy rain, which fell over a 24-hour period, triggered a boil water notice for residents in Rūātoki and raised concerns about the impact of tsunami surges from a distant earthquake in Kamchatka.

Assessing Road Safety

Whakatāne District Council's local controller, Nicholas Woodley, confirmed that the roads would be inspected once daylight returned. He explained that the roads had been flooded and covered in silt and debris, making it essential to ensure they were not undermined and safe for travel. “We will assess them because once the roads have been flooded as well as having silt and other debris on them, we actually need to check they haven't been undermined, that they are safe to travel on,” he said.

Impact on Residents

The heavy rainfall, with over 200mm falling in nearly 24 hours, has caused significant disruption. Schools in Whakatāne sent students from Ōpōtiki home early on Wednesday as a precaution, but some residents from Ōpōtiki found themselves stranded in Whakatāne overnight. The council fielded numerous calls for assistance with accommodation, urging those affected to stay with friends or family if possible.

Water Quality Concerns

In Rūātoki, the local water treatment plant has been compromised by the heavy rain, prompting the council to issue a boil water advisory. Residents are advised to boil water for three minutes before using it for drinking, food preparation, or brushing teeth. This adds to the growing list of challenges faced by the region, which now also includes a tsunami advisory and widespread road closures.

Multiple Crises Converging

The council's Facebook page highlighted the complexity of the situation, stating, “We've got a tsunami advisory, communities cut off, road closures, and there could be more road closures to come... If it's not one thing, it's a tsunami.” As the community continues to grapple with these multiple challenges, the focus remains on ensuring safety, providing assistance, and preparing for potential further disruptions.

Looking Ahead

With the road assessment set to begin, the hope is that some level of normalcy will return to the region. However, the combination of natural disasters and infrastructure challenges presents a formidable test for local authorities and residents alike. The situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns and global seismic events.