Roxburgh is still in clean-up mode today as the town recovers from Sunday's downpour. Here is the latest information from Central Otago District Council (CODC) about efforts to bring the town back to normality.
Weather Forecast
We are talking to MetService forecasters about the risk of another storm affecting Roxburgh today. We are preparing for all eventualities, this includes bringing in a supply of sandbags and having heavy machinery on standby.
We are suggesting to affected residents that they be prepared to evacuate at short notice, this means having a bag packed with essentials for themselves and their families, and important documents. The Police will make any decision to start official evacuations, but if people feel unsafe or vulnerable in their own homes we suggest they leave and go to family and friends for the night.
A high police presence remains in the town and welfare is being provided at the Roxburgh Service Centre. Either call 03 446 8105 or drop in.
Residents are asked to monitor the Central Otago District Council Facebook page and the Central App for timely updates. Paper copies of community messages are being distributed in Roxburgh township by community board members, council staff and volunteers.
Metservice issued a warning for severe thunderstorms this eveing which were moving towards the south, and are expected to lie near Twizel and Omarama at 7.15pm and near Omarama at 7.45pm.
These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain and large hail.
Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in force for Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Central Otago and Dunedin.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management advises that as storms approach you should:
- - Take shelter, preferably indoors away from windows;
- - Avoid sheltering under trees, if outside;
- - Move cars under cover or away from trees;
- - Secure any loose objects around your property;
- - Check that drains and gutters are clear;
- - Be ready to slow down or stop, if driving.
During and after the storm, you should also:
- - Beware of fallen trees and power lines;
- - Avoid streams and drains as you may be swept away in flash flooding.
Water and Wastewater
CODC water services staff are working to reinstate water and wastewater (toilets) services to the area. The aim is to have water restored by tomorrow to Roxburgh township. This will be with a boil water notice in place and advice to residents to continue to conserve water.
Lake Roxburgh Village is still on town water and has very limited water supplies. Residents should conserve and use for drinking, cooking and hygiene only. Water should last through utill this afternoon.
Water tankers and portaloos remain in place in the following locations:
- Next to Roxburgh Fire Station
- Baptist Church – Cnr Paisley and Scotland Sts
- Lake Roxburgh Village Hall
Portable toilets are now distributed and are located at:
- The public toilets on Scotland St– opposite 103 The Store
- CODC Service Centre – Scotland St
- Baptist Church – Cnr Paisley and Scotland Sts
- Elderly Persons Flats – Leitholm Pl
- Lake Roxburgh Village – the Hydro hall
Roading
Roading crews are working to restore access to the south and north of the town by later this evening. Work to reinstate the stop bank at Reservoir Creek is a priority focus too.
Residents are requested to limit travel in and around Roxburgh to allow contractors the best possible chance of a quick reinstatement of access, and be mindful of the large volume of trucks and machinery.
Pedestrians are asked to avoid work sites where possible, especially the Reservoir Creek crossing.
Only locals and service personnel are being allowed access to Roxburgh.
Waste collection
The red bin kerbside collection will be happening on Thursday as usual. Residents are asked not to overfill their bins or use them for sludge or greenwaste.
Bin lids must close for the truck to be able to pick up your red bin.
Council is looking at placing skips in strategic locations around town for disposal of larger household rubbish. Further information on this later will be confirmed later today.
Debris
Any flood debris on individual properties should be piled towards the front of the property for pick up in due course.
Residents are asked to refrain from putting this rubbish, including sludge mud and silt down the stormwater network.
Contractors will be working through trucking this away over the course of the week.
