Todd McClay urges farmers to prioritise safety amid storm
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
This is in response to severe weather already isolating communities, with 17 local roads closed, and conditions expected to worsen overnight.
The declaration provides additional powers that enable emergency services and council staff to respond quickly and effectively as the situation evolves.
Whangarei District Council has also declared a State of Emergency for its district.
In a statement today, Far North District Council says, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was stood up by the council at its headquarters in Kaikohe this morning.
The emergency declaration was announced jointly by EOC Controller, Alastair Wells and Kahika Mayor Moko Tepania.
Communities already isolated by road closures include Kaitāia and other parts of Te Hiku.
Far North residents are urged to not to travel and to avoid rivers, beaches and flood waters due to possible sewage and septic tank overflows. High tide is due around mid afternoon for much of the Far North. Local tidal times can be checked here - https://tides.niwa.co.nz/. If people are concerned about rapidly rising waters, they should act quickly and evacuate to higher ground.
A Red Heavy Rain Warning – the highest warning level – was issued by the MetService for areas of Northland east of Kaikohe from Doubtless Bay to Whangārei, as well as an Orange Heavy Rain warning for the rest of Northland, and an Orange Strong Wind Warning for the region.
Emergency welfare is being provided by numerous marae and local schools. Check our news story here for updates and follow our Facebook page.
Declaring a State of Emergency strengthens the ability of emergency services and Civil Defence to respond. Residents are encouraged to report issues to our contact centre on 0800 920 029 but if your need for assistance is urgent please call 111.
The EOC is co-ordinating the response to unfolding emergencies while ensuring that usual council operations continue. Emergency services – police, fire and ambulance – are part of the EOC, along with Civil Defence Northland and council staff with Civil Defence training.
Council teams are on call 24/7 and responding to hazards as soon as it is safe to do so.
For a full list of local road closures go here and follow our Facebook page.
MetService is indicating the severe weather warnings are expected to be expire on Friday.
