Wairoa

Wild Weather Hits Wairoa: Evacuations and State of Emergency Declared

Dangerous flooding and evacuations in Wairoa due to extreme weather conditions. Read more to find out how the community is coping!

Wairoa, a town in New Zealand, is currently facing a severe weather crisis with evacuations and a state of emergency declared. The region experienced heavy rainfall, equivalent to two months' worth of rain in some areas, leading to widespread flooding. The government is stepping in to support the affected communities in Wairoa, Hastings, and Tairawhiti, with a $300,000 contribution to Mayoral Relief Funds. Photos and videos from Wairoa show the extent of the flooding, nearing levels seen during Cyclone Bola in 1988. Despite the subsiding river levels, caution is urged to ensure safety for residents.

Evacuations have been carried out in Gisborne and Wairoa, with rising river levels and coastal inundation posing significant risks. Emergency services are actively responding to the crisis, with the Minister of Emergency Management and Recovery heading to the East Coast to assist. A State of Emergency has been declared in multiple regions, including Wairoa, Heretaunga, and Te Karaka. Specialized rescue teams are being mobilized to provide additional support in the affected areas, with efforts to manage the severe weather conditions. Unfortunately, attempts to open the Wairoa River bar before the storm led to the loss of three diggers for a local contracting team, highlighting the challenges faced.

In a bid to combat the crisis, government support is crucial in providing relief to the affected communities. The resilience and unity of the people in Wairoa and surrounding regions are evident as they navigate through this challenging time. The historical comparison to Cyclone Bola serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of New Zealand's weather patterns and the necessity for preparedness in the face of natural disasters.