Key points
A State of Emergency remains in place for Dunedin and Clutha after heavy rainfall and flooding in the city.
SH1 south reopens but key highway links and dozens of local roads remain closed.
MetService has downgraded the weather warning to a heavy rain watch for Otago, Dunedin and coastal Clutha as much of the widespread heavy rain has cleared.
Restoration time for water services for the West Harbour and Otago Peninsula is unknown and residents need to continue conserving water.
Welfare centres are open at Forsyth Barr Stadium
People are asked to stay away from flood-hit areas unless checking on relatives or helping with any evacuation
Wastewater systems overflowing in Clutha, residents are urged to minimise water use.
Overnight slips have affected Otago Peninsula homes and roads and highways remain closed around Dunedin after two days of heavy rain and flooding.
The Dunedin City Council says clearing slips and reopening roads will be a key focus as the cleanup starts today.
State Highway 1 south, between Milton and Waihola, fully reopened this morning after flooding closed the main route. Caution is still advised as patches of surface flooding may remain.
As of late Friday night, water tanks could not be delivered there because of road blockages, although the city council says residents have reserves.
Dunedin mayor Jules Radich told RNZ some roads were beginning to reopen this morning and the water level in parts of the city had already dropped by about 30cm.
But both the Dunedin City and the Clutha District councils are asking people not to go out unnecessarily, and states of emergency remain in place.
The army is supporting cordons around flooded parts of South Dunedin, and the council says if people have no reason to be in a particular area, they need to stay away.
Updates on major road closures:
- SH1 northbound is closed between Hampden and Evansdale. Road users are advised to avoid the area or delay their journey.
- State Highway 1 southbound between Waihola and Milton is now open, and from Milton south toward Balclutha.
- State Highway 8 between Lawrence and Milton remains closed.
- State Highway 88 from Forsyth Barr Stadium to Port Chalmers is closed.
- State Highway 85 is closed between Kyeburn and Palmerston.
- State Highway 87 is closed between Kyeburn and Hyde.
- A detailed list of all Dunedin road closures can be found here.
“Despite the weather easing, the city has experienced several slips, including a large one on the West Harbour, and some that have affected houses,” Civil Defence Controller Sandy Graham said.
It is not yet known when water services will be restored to the Otago Peninsula and West Harbour, and residents are urged to continue to conserve water.
“A huge thank you to those communities for their water conservation efforts so far. We ask them to please continue to conserve water for the time being,” she says.
The evacuation centre at Forsyth Barr Stadium is looking after about 30 people, and the Red Cross has set up beds for the evening.
The New Zealand Army has also helped with staffing a series of cordons around South Dunedin in order to stop people driving through flood waters on closed roads.
If residents are in need of help, they are encouraged to phone the DCC on 03 477 4000.
Clutha
Wastewater treatment plants throughout Clutha are overflowing and there are reports of human waste in floodwaters near treatment plants.
A Clutha District Council spokeswoman said residents should assume all floodwaters are contaminated with sewage and chemicals and to avoid contact with floodwater whenever possible.
She urged residents to minimise their impact on the wastewater system by:
• Using alternative toilets: If you have a camp toilet or portable facilities, use these instead of flushing your regular toilet.
• Limiting flushing: Only flush if absolutely necessary to reduce the volume of water going into the system.
• Bagging toilet paper: Place used toilet paper in bags instead of flushing it, to prevent further stress on the wastewater system.
• Avoiding the use of water-heavy appliances: Refrain from using your washing machine, dishwasher, and other appliances that generate significant water runoff.
• Avoiding washing cars.
Contractors are out on the roads checking conditions and the council's welfare team is working to make contact to these communities.
Teams are working to clear roads to make communities accessible again.
Free food delivered
Pizza Hut stores in Dunedin are among the food outlets delivering free food to people hit by flooding.
“We have provided more than 100 pizzas to 30 families who were affected by flood and also essential workers," manager Gagandeep Singh said.
"Seeing the smiles on people's faces when they received a hot meal, knowing they've been struggling to access basic necessities, was truly heartwarming.
"It reminded me of the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together.
"We are so proud of our team for their selfless efforts in preparing and distributing the meals."
