Updating….
● Keep refreshing links at this page for latest information.
FRIDAY 5 JUNE
Otago Daily Times Published on Jun 4, 2015
Raw aerial video of Dunedin Flooding
Video courtesy One News.
5.6.15 ODT: Aerial video of Dunedin Flooding
VOLUNTEERS
Those wishing to volunteer their help should call DCC on 477 4000. Staff will take details and contact you when it is established what help is needed and where. DCC general manager (services and development) Simon Pickford asked that volunteers bring their own gumboots. “You are likely to be working in areas that will still have contaminated surface water, so please come prepared. Your help is most welcome, but we need to look after your welfare too. Gloves and any other clean up equipment required will be provided on site.” (ODT Link)
█ People who wanted to donate baking to volunteers were encouraged to go to the welfare centre set up at St James’ Presbyterian Church in King Edward St, South Dunedin, or to the St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club.
Civil Defence Welfare Centre
The Civil Defence Welfare Centre in South Dunedin will re-open at 10am this morning. The centre is located in the St James Presbyterian Church Hall at 393 King Edward Street, and welfare and DCC staff will be available if you need advice or assistance.
Kerbside collection
Some streets in flooded areas did not receive a glass recycling collection service yesterday. Kerbside collections will take place as normal today so long as trucks can access streets. Streets missed yesterday including yellow bins on Portobello Road will also be serviced today if trucks can get access. Please put bins and bags out again this morning. Any missed collections where streets cannot be accessed today will be serviced on Saturday.
Rubbish skips
The Dunedin City Council has provided seven skips in the South Dunedin area so that residents can get rid of their flood related rubbish. The skips are located at Hargest Crescent, Surrey Street (2), Macandrew Road (2), Bayview Road (2), and Baker Street (Caversham) by the church.
The existing skips that have been deployed will be changed out from time to time and will also be available over the weekend. Please use these skips for large rubbish only (furniture, carpets etc.) Two more skips are on standby as and when other areas are identified.
Extra rubbish collection – South Dunedin
An extra rubbish collection will be done in South Dunedin today. Any smaller rubbish can be left kerbside. If you can bag it, do so. It does not need to be in a DCC bag today.
Manhole covers
With the recent flooding a number of manhole covers have lifted. If you spot a manhole with a missing cover please contact us with the location details so we can fix this. If you can safely move a smaller cover that has come to rest nearby back in to its rightful place, please do so. Larger (and heavier) manhole covers we will reinstall so please contact us with their location details.
Tracks closed
Parts of Ross Creek Track, the Bullock Track (from Prospect Park to Willowbank) and tracks at Frasers Gully and Meremere Reserve have been closed.
Volunteering
If you are keen to volunteer with the cleanup, please phone the DCC call centre on 477 4000. Customer Services Agency staff will take your details and contact you when it is established what help is needed and where.
Dunedin road closures
As of 10am the following roads were closed:
Portobello Rd – Doon St to Macandrew Bay to clear trees at the Cove. Detour over Castlewood Rd.
Upper Junction Rd – from Mt Cargill Rd to Brick Hill Rd.
Henley Rd.
Highcliff Rd – from Camp Rd To Portobello.
Queens Dr – from Chamberlain St to Como St.
Riccarton Rd – SH87 to Tirohanga Rd.
Portobello Rd – Beaconsfield to Beaconsfield Rd.
Waitati Valley Rd – Ford at RP6800 to end.
Gladfield Rd – Bush Rd to Dukes Rd.
Flagstaff/Whare Flat Rd – Pineapple Track to Silverstream Valley Rd.
Highway closures
As of 10.30am the following highways were closed:
State Highway 90, Pomahaka River Bridge, Glenkenich (flooding and flood damage)
State Highway 1, Concord (slip; southbound offramp is closed)
****
THURSDAY 4 JUNE
The flooding in Dunedin is now being described as a one-in-100-year event with about 175 millimetres of rain falling in 24 hours.
Civil defence welfare centre
Emergency services and the Dunedin City Council are urging Dunedin residents whose houses are affected by flooding to contact the DCC on 477 4000.
A civil defence welfare centre has been set up in South Dunedin at the St James Presbyterian Church at 393 King Edward Street. Those needing information and advice can talk to DCC staff and local welfare agency staff at the centre.
ODT: Dunedin flooding – latest updates
Read full article; some excerpts below.
● ODT Photo Gallery: Dunedin’s flood
Scenes from yesterdays flooding around Dunedin.
—
All householders are urged to follow the steps outlined by emergency services on how to protect you and your family or friends after flooding:
Skips provided in South Dunedin
The DCC is providing five skips in the South Dunedin area so people can get rid of their flood related rubbish.
The skips are expected to be delivered by mid afternoon and will be located at Hargest Crescent, Surrey Street (2) and Macandrew Road (2). Five more skips are on standby as and when other areas are identified.
Power restored to 150 customers
Aurora Energy advises that power was restored to all 150 consumers in Woodland Avenue, Kinmont Crescent and Gebbie Street in East Taieri at 11:45am and safety checks have been completed.
Power was disconnected yesterday evening to ensure the safety of the public.
Power has also been restored to consumers in Poulters Road (Leith Valley).
Power remains out to around 8 consumers in Shetland Street (Wakari). Delta crews are on site and making repairs.
17 Dunedin roads remain closed
Dunedin City Council staff have been out all night attending to road closures slips and flooding.
While many areas of town still have significant flooding issues much of our roadway is clear for traffic with care.
All city roads are open but with minor slips and detours in place.
Please note severe flooding in South Dunedin.
█ Latest road information
Dunedin bus services update
Concord services are now operating to normal schedule.
All other bus services are operating to normal schedules except the following:
Portobello services are travelling along Highcliff Road and Castlewood St to and from Macandrew Bay and then onto Portobello as usual
St Kilda services are travelling directly to St Kilda via Prince Albert St to avoid surface flooding on Bayview Road and Richardson St
█ For more information please contact the bus call centre on 03 474 0287.
(see ORC online bus alerts)
—
█ DCC Website for FLOOD INFORMATION updates
█ Otago Regional Council website for flooding and river level updates.
Residents can also visit water.orc.govt.nz, call 0800 426 463 or receive flood alerts via Twitter.
—
ODT Record rainfall: city awash – with safety information, including:
SCHOOLS
All primary and intermediate schools, and DKA Dunedin Kindergartens from Mosgiel to Port Chalmers to Waikouaiti are closed today, the Otago Primary Principals Association said.
Taieri College, Kings High School and Queens High School are also closed.
Otago Polytechnic’s campus remains open.
BUSES
█ Alerts: ORC Dunedin Bus Services Advisory – Thursday 4 June 9.30am
RUBBISH COLLECTION
The Dunedin City Council said kerbside rubbish collection would be done this afternoon for areas missed yesterday.
If access is unavailable to the contractors, they will finish collection tomorrow morning.
REST HOMES AND HOSPITALS (via RNZ)
The Southern District Health Board says there are no planned changes to patient clinics or surgery today.
On Wednesday, the Radius Fulton rest home on Hillside Road was evacuated, with staff looking for alternative accommodation for about 75 people.
ODT: ‘One in 100-year-flood’
ODT: Record rainfall: city awash
ODT: Wild weather eases, temperatures to drop in South
ODT: Flooding victim resigned to losing his home
ODT: Road ‘disappeared’
ODT: Heading for dry ground
ODT: Cold, dark vigil after power cut
ODT: S. Dunedin flood worst for many
ODT: Wet, wet, wet [photos]
ODT: Northeast Valley resident looks out to see ‘canyon’
—
█ DCC website – Phone 03 477 4000
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Road conditions update
This item was published on 04 Jun 2015
Emergency services and the Dunedin City Council have moved into recovery mode after heavy rain yesterday. All city roads are open but with minor slips and detours in place, but please note there is severe flooding in South Dunedin.
Dunedin City Council Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says rain continued through the night to 2am in the morning. DCC crews and contractors worked through the night attending to road closures slips and flooding.
“While many areas of town still have significant flooding issues much of our roadway is clear for traffic with care. All city roads are open but with minor slips and detours in place.”
For the most up to date information on closures around our main roads please look on the DCC website.
But please note the following information about roads
● Portobello Rd. – (Macandrew Bay to Dunedin) is closed due to numerous slips , please detour via Castlewood Rd and Highcliff Rd.
● Highcliff rd – is blocked by numerous slips north of Sandymount Rd.
● Brighton Rd. (Green Island to Brighton)- is open with care , watch out for surface flooding ,slips and debris .
● Kaikourai Valley rd – is still blocked at Burnside due to flooding.
● Saddle Hill Rd / Scroggs Hill Rd closed between McMaster Rd & Law Rd due to slips
● State Highway 1 -( Mosgiel to Dunedin) is clear , minor surface flooding .
● Three Mile Hill – flooding has receded and road is open for traffic.
● SH 1 Waitati to Allanton – no restrictions. Surface flooding receding from Andy Bay lights (north bound).
● SH 88 Dunedin to Port Chalmers – Flooding, minor slips. Closed at Sawyers Bay rail over bridge. Cars & light vehicles to follow detour route through Sawyers Bay, flooded area ok for heavy vehicles to pass.
● SH 87 Mosgiel – Flooding has receded from the shopping precinct. Surface flooding at Hagart Alexander Drive intersection.
● SH 87 – No events reported through the night from TREIS. Inspection being undertaken now. Update at 0700 hrs.
● SH 85 Palmerston to Kyeburn – Flooding, Snow/Ice, no restrictions.
● SH 1 Milton – Flooding 1km south of Milton. Closed to light vehicles, no detour route. Ok for 4wds & heavy vehicles to pass.
● The south bound motorway off ramp/link from Lookout Point to Stevenson Rd, Concord has a slip blocking the carriageway. We have closed this road. I’d estimate about 100cu of material. It’s blocking 75% of the carriageway and is located approx. 300m uphill from the Stevenson Rd intersection.
“Motorists need to drive carefully and should expect delays getting to school and work.”
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through flooded areas
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for damaged roads
● There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly
● All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water
● Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
● Call emergency services in first instance if you are involved in an emergency situation.
● Please don’t go sightseeing
● If you have to evacuate your house please secure as best you can before leaving.
DCC staff and contractors, and emergency services have been working hard to deal with a wide variety of issues around the wider Dunedin area.
█ For the most up-to-date road conditions visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area.
You can also visit
Dunedin City Council Facebook Page
Dunedin City Council Twitter Page
MetService for Dunedin
NZ Get Thru
Contact DCC on 477 4000.
—
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Dunedin recovery response underway after deluge
This item was published on 04 Jun 2015
Emergency services and the Dunedin City Council are urging Dunedin residents whose houses are affected by flooding to contact the DCC on 477 4000.
A civil defence welfare centre has been set up in South Dunedin at the St James Presbyterian Church in King Edward Street. Those needing information and advice can talk to DCC staff and local welfare agency staff at the centre.
All schools in the Dunedin are closed today, for further information contact your school.
All householders are urged to follow the steps outlined by emergency services on how to protect you and your family or friends after flooding:
● Keep children and pets out of any affected area until cleanup has been completed.
● Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves during cleanup of affected area.
● After contact with any floodwater or contaminated objects, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
● Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products). If you cannot dispose of them immediately then bag them (if possible) and put them aside for later disposal.
● Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures). First, wash surfaces with soap and warm, clean water to remove dirt. Next, sanitize surfaces with household bleach. Read and follow the safety instructions on any product you use.
● Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
● Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent.
● Discard any contaminated food: food that has been in contact with flood water or food that has been in a refrigerator or freezer that has been affected by the flood water. Tinned food will be okay but the outside of the can may be contaminated.
● Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.
● Below are the most important safety guidelines when using sanitizing products:
● Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.
● Wear gum boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
● Try not to breathe in product fumes. If using products indoors, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter.
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through flooded areas
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for damaged roads
● There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly
● All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water
● Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
● Call emergency services in first instance if you are involved in an emergency situation.
● Please don’t go sightseeing
● If you have to evacuate your house please secure as best you can before leaving.
DCC staff and contractors, and emergency services have been working hard to deal with a wide variety of issues around the wider Dunedin area.
For the most up-to-date information please visit:
Dunedin City Council Facebook Page
Dunedin City Council Twitter Page
MetService for Dunedin
NZ Get Thru
Contact DCC on 477 4000.
****
WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE
DCC Manager Civil Defence Neil Brown said while Civil Defence has been activated to monitor and co-ordinate, a civil defence emergency had not been called at this stage.
More heavy rain that has flooded parts of Dunedin is forecast overnight, with the council warning the situation could get worse before it gets better.
Power has been cut to 150 houses in East Taieri as a safety measure, and Aurora Energy is warning others may be affected. “We anticipate that further urgent disconnections of power supply in Dunedin may be required in the interests of public safety. Dunedin electricity consumers should be prepared in the event of power outages,” an Aurora Energy spokesman said.
### ODT Online Wed, 3 Jun 2015
Civil defence response to Dunedin flooding
A civil defence response has been activated in Dunedin amid torrential rain which has caused widespread flooding, including sewage on the streets.
A Dunedin City Council spokesman said emergency services were now working together out of the civil defence bunker in central Dunedin to coordinate their response to multiple flooding events across the city.
Dunedin City Council civil defence manager Neil Brown said in the 24 hours up to about 3pm, about 90mm to 95mm of rain had fallen in the Dunedin area.
“To put that into perspective, overnight we may get another between 80mm and 100mm, according to the forecast. So really we are about halfway in terms of the volume we have experienced over the city.”
Read more + Photos
—
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Widespread Flooding Posing Problems
This item was published on 03 Jun 2015
South Dunedin, Kaikorai Valley and parts of Mosgiel, the Brighton Coast and the Taieri Plain have been hardest hit by heavy rain and flooding.
Dunedin City Council staff and contractors, and emergency services are busy dealing with flooding that is knee deep in isolated areas.
As at 1.30pm, seven roads around the wider Dunedin area are closed.
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, particularly those that may be contaminated with wastewater
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for widespread surface flooding
● There are going to be a lot of motorists on the road trying to get home, so we ask drivers to be patient and allow plenty of time for travel
● Check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or have young children
● The water supply is safe to drink
DCC Manager Civil Defence Neil Brown says Civil Defence has been activated to monitor and co-ordinate, but a civil defence emergency had not been called at this stage.
DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says heavy rain since early today has caused widespread flooding and the rain was not expected to ease any time soon. According to Otago Regional Council data, more than 60mm of rain had fallen at Pine Hill in the 24 hours to 12.40pm today.
“The sheer amount of rain means our stormwater system is at capacity and the roading network is under pressure. We are monitoring what is happening and assisting wherever we can.”
Foul sewer contamination has forced the closure of the Hargest Crescent area. This could become an issue for other areas.
DCC Water and Waste Network Contracts Manager Mike Ind says stormwater and foul sewers in the Hillside Road/Surrey Street areas were at capacity at 10.30am today. The Fire Service was pumping water from the Fulton Home property on Hillside Road. DCC staff and Civil Defence have helped with the provision of additional flood barriers.
The Fire Service reports its appliances and personnel are fully committed.
Mr Standring says the severe weather warning for Dunedin is still in place. One of the major upcoming concerns is high tide, due late afternoon, which may have an impact on the water draining away.
█ For the most up-to-date road conditions visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area. People can also look at the Highgate web cam and others around the city.
█ Contact Peter Standring, DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer on 027 514 1617.
—
### ODT Online Wed, 3 Jun 2015
Heavy snow to 500m possible
By Carla Green
A severe rain warning for Clutha and Dunedin may culminate in heavy snow falling to 500m in Otago today, a MetService meteorologist says.
The warning predicted “accumulations may reach 80mm to 100mm about the hills and ranges over an 18-hour period, which is a significant amount of rain for the [Clutha and Dunedin] area”.
The rain was expected to develop early this morning, and clear by Friday, meteorologist Emma Blades said. Snow was expected above 500m from this afternoon to tomorrow morning.
Read more
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Flood Videos:
█ 39 Dunedin News: Flooding strikes Dunedin
With much of Dunedin under water, emergency personnel are preparing for a busy night. Dozens of roads are closed due to flooding, and residents are being urged to limit travel. And for one local, the rain is already proving costly.
█ ONE News – Live Updates: Rain continues to flood Dunedin, with 126mm in the last 14 hours
█ 3 News – Dunedin ‘hammered’ by surface flooding
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### Stuff.co.nz Last updated 22:23, June 3 2015
Flooding wreaks havoc in Dunedin video
By Hamish McNeilly and Michael Daly
Large parts of Dunedin are underwater as heavy rainfall cause chaos in the city.
More than 400 emergency calls were made during the severe flooding in Dunedin on Wednesday, the Fire Service said.
The army had been helping volunteers desperately sandbag 100 houses in the Dunedin seaside suburb of St Kilda as water threatened to devastate the properties. All of the Dunedin Fire Service’s vehicle fleet had been called out, including part of its reserve fleet and the Dunedin Rural Fire Service, a Southern Fire communications spokesman said.
Read more + Video + Safety Information
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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr
What if? Dunedin... 
Damn right.
This in from a colleague:
TV One news tonight 10.30 pm – Residents demand more from DCC – is the trailer.
ODT online, people are awfully unimpressed with Daaave’s piece in today’s paper, esp in view of today’s evidence of how infrastructure has been ignored in favour of pet projects.
This rain is a dream come true for showing up the loose ways of Greater Dunedin local body politicians. Heck, Daaave’s only just back from his Japan ‘cities of literature’ junket-fandango, to baldly face the toll of Nature over Nurture. Or something.
And Daaave, I hope you’ve got your waders on – to ‘be out there, as mayor’, rescuing the poor devils flooded out of their homes and businesses in this icy relentless rain. What is leadership.
Aren’t we ratepayers lucky the rain didn’t come before the “Japan ‘cities of literature’ junket-fandango” – he might have felt obliged to stay home for a photo-op of his august mayorness filling sandbags then carrying them by bicycle to where they are most urgently needed.
A major natural disaster ( described in most news report as a one in a hundred year event) with hundreds going through extreme stress, loosing property, etc.
How can you call it a dream come true? A dream for who?
So far from what I see and hear from my friends in south Dunedin the DCC/civil defense response has been good, lots of people on the ground, good information.
Good grief, Pear, did the rain wash away my cynicism for you. Do you not think better drainage and pumps at South Dunedin, all properly maintained by the relevant authorities, might be more applicable in hosting weather events like this. That said, I have no doubt the services operating yesterday and next days, including good neighbours and community, will pitch in as they always do. People are often at their best in emergencies. Proven time again.
BTW some householders run drainage pumps daily at their properties all year, due to the high watertable and tidal movement – even on Forbury Road….
At least we have the water now for the new Mosgiel Pool. It is now up to the trust to front up with $7.5 million to build the pond big enough to hold it.
Rip up the “signed-off” Annual and Long Term Plans.
Go back to basics.
Fix the city and make it liveable, before pursuing vanity projects.
That one rainstorm should paralyse a city, is beyond belief.
Well done ORC -guardians of the Taieri Flood Plain. Called their Lake and River Rainfall Information (4707493) tonight at 11.15pm, looking for information re potential property damage and risk to life from breach of Silverstream.
Sat my way through all the varying keypressing options to that golden moment when Silverstream at Millstream was sonorously enunciated – only to find ‘no information available for this site’. REALLY! The Silverstream – the bane of the life of everybody who lives and relies on the Taieri; and our esteemed functionary the ORC, the guardians of all waterways and safety advisors of all who live here, seemed satisfied to report no information on the risk to life or property from the Silverstream. No apology’ no kiss my arse, just simply no information. (Printable) words fail me.
http://water.orc.govt.nz/WaterInfo/Catchment.aspx?r=Taieri
Phoning them wasn’t a smart move. Dealing with an individual person – after office hours what’s more – isn’t on their to-do list.
Another burst of heavy rain and wind.
Good night All.
Further DUNEDIN FLOOD INFORMATION
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Residents Urged to Avoid Travel if Possible
This item was published on 03 Jun 2015
Residents are advised to avoid any unnecessary travel as widespread flooding creates problems on many Dunedin roads.
South Dunedin, Kaikorai Valley and parts of Mosgiel, the Brighton Coast and the Taieri Plain have been hardest hit by heavy rain which started early today. This severe flooding has forced the evacuation of Fulton Home at Hillside Road, closed roads and caused slips in areas such as the Otago Peninsula.
Key routes into the city, such as state highways, may be closed temporarily until peak flows in creeks and streams drop.
DCC Manager Civil Defence Neil Brown says the Dunedin Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to monitor and co-ordinate, but a civil defence emergency had not been called at this stage.
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for widespread surface flooding
● There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly
● There are going to be a lot of motorists on the road trying to get home, so we ask drivers to be patient and allow plenty of time for travel
● Check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or have young children
● All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water.
Aurora Energy advises that due to surface flooding and in the interests of public safety, we will soon disconnect electricity supply to the Woodland Avenue, Kinmont Crescent, Boundary Road and Heathfield Drive in East Taieri. Power to the 150 electricity consumers affected will remain out until water subsides and power can be safely restored. Surface flooding is submerging ground-mounted electrical equipment.
Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says, “The sheer amount of rain means our stormwater system is at capacity and the roading network is under pressure. We are monitoring what is happening and assisting wherever we can.”
DCC staff and contractors, and emergency services, are working hard to deal with a wide range of issues around the wider Dunedin area.
For DCC related concerns, such as roading, please call 03 477 4000. In the case of emergencies please call 111.
For the most up-to-date road conditions visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area.
You can also visit
Dunedin City Council Facebook Page
Dunedin City Council Twitter Page
MetService for Dunedin
NZ Get Thru
Contact DCC on 477 4000.
Further DUNEDIN FLOOD INFORMATION
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Ongoing Caution Urged in Flooded Areas
This item was published on 03 Jun 2015
Even if the rain has eased tomorrow, people need to be careful travelling around the city.
Dunedin City Council Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says severe flooding like this will take time to recede and when it does, damage to roads and other property is likely.
“There could be mud tanks with covers gone or lying on the road and scouring and rocks could also pose a hazard until our contractors can clean things up. Motorists need to drive carefully and should expect delays getting to school and work.”
Key messages for the public are:
● Where possible, avoid driving or walking through flooded areas
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for damaged roads
● There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly
● All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water
● Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
DCC staff and contractors, and emergency services have been working hard to deal with a wide variety of issues around the wider Dunedin area.
For the most up-to-date road conditions visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions. This includes any state highway closures that affect traffic around the wider DCC area.
You can also visit
Dunedin City Council Facebook Page
Dunedin City Council Twitter Page
MetService for Dunedin
NZ Get Thru
Contact Peter Standring, DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Phone on 027 514 1617.
Further DUNEDIN FLOOD INFORMATION
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Flood day information
Information regarding DCC services and facilities disrupted by adverse conditions.
This item was published on 03 Jun 2015
UPDATED: 9.25pm
Civil Defence has been activated to monitor and coordinate the effect of the persistent rain falling in Dunedin, but a civil defence emergency has not been called.
South Dunedin, Kaikorai Valley and parts of Mosgiel, the Brighton Coast and the Taieri Plain have been hardest hit by heavy rain and flooding.
Dunedin City Council staff and contractors, and emergency services are busy dealing with flooding that is knee deep in isolated areas.
This severe flooding has forced the evacuation of Fulton Home at Hillside Road, closed roads and caused slips in areas such as the Otago Peninsula.
Key routes into the city, such as state highways, may be closed temporarily until peak flows in creeks and streams drop.
These are our key messages for the public:
Where possible, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters
● If you do have to drive, please drive carefully and be prepared for widespread surface flooding
● There have been some sewage overflows. To keep safe please avoid coming into contact with surface water as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you do come into contact with floodwaters, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly
● There are going to be a lot of motorists on the road trying to get home, so we ask drivers to be patient and allow plenty of time for travel
● Check on your neighbours, especially if they are elderly or have young children
● All DCC water supplies are safe to drink. However, users of privately owned water bores should check their security for surface water intrusion and if concerned shut down the bore head and use stored water.
Aurora Energy has disconnected electricity supply to Woodland Avenue, Kinmont Crescent and Gebbie Street in East Taieri. Power to the 150 electricity consumers affected will remain out until water subsides and power can be safely restored. Surface flooding is submerging ground-mounted electrical equipment.
Heavy rain continues and Aurora Energy anticipates further urgent disconnections of power supply in Dunedin may be required in the interests of public safety. Dunedin electricity consumers should be prepared in the event of power outages. They will continue to monitor water levels and the condition of electrical equipment.
Always treat all electricity lines and equipment as live at all times and keep well clear.
To stay up to date with what is happening we recommend you use the following links
Dunedin City Council Facebook Page
Dunedin City Council Twitter Page
MetService for Dunedin
NZ Get Thru
█ Road Closures
█ Sand Bagging
█ Please call us on 03 477 4000 for DCC related concerns. In the case of emergencies please call 111.
Elizabeth, just a short word of congratulations for all the helpful info you have provided. All at one location- great service.
Interesting that both the Southland Times and the NZ Herald have a far greater coverage of the flood situation in Dunedin than the Otago Daily Times
RNZ NATIONAL RADIO
### radionz.co.nz Thu, 4 June 2015
Radio New Zealand News
South Dunedin faces huge clean-up
Roads and schools remain shut and houses flooded after Dunedin was swamped by two months’ rain in a single day.
The rain has now eased after dumping some 160mm of water on the city yesterday, overwhelming the city’s drainage system, closing at least 15 streets and some schools, disrupting travel and forcing evacuations.
Some 160 properties in East Taieri are still without power this morning following flood damage to electrical equipment. Aurora Energy said supplies would be restored as soon as water could be removed from the equipment and repairs made.
Read more + photos of south Dunedin
█ Morning Report: Listen to Aaron Warning ( 3′ 27″ )
—
### radionz.co.nz Thu, 4 Jun 2015 Updated 31 minutes ago
RNZ News
Dunedin faces huge clean-up after floods
The flooding in Dunedin is now being described as a one-in-100-year event with about 175 millimeters of rain falling in 24 hours. The rain has now eased after dumping two months’ rain in a single day on the city yesterday, overwhelming drainage systems, closing at least 15 streets and some schools, disrupting travel and forcing evacuations.
Read more + Photo gallery of south Dunedin on Wed/Thu
AUDIO FILES
█ Listen to Neil Brown on Morning Report ( 5 min 46 sec )
█ Listen to this morning’s report from Dunedin correspondent Ian Telfer ( 3 min 21 sec )
█ Listen to Dunedin mayor Dave Cull on Morning Report ( 2 min 16 sec )
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### radionz.co.nz Updated at 10:18 am today
Otago flooding: what you need to know
Primary and intermediate schools in Dunedin are shut and many roads remain closed after yesterday’s torrential rain and flooding.
Flooding
● Primary and intermediate schools in the Dunedin area are closed.
● High Schools Macandrew Bay School, Taieri College and Queens High School are confirmed closed.
● Central city roads are open, but two state highways and many local roads remain closed due to flooding, slippages or washouts.
● Some 30 houses were flooded, though there were reports the number could be higher
● Council and public health officials will be visiting flooded streets in South Dunedin checking for water contamination.
● Dunedin City Council has asked residents to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, particularly those that may be contaminated with wastewater.
● The council said yesterday the city’s water supply remained safe to drink.
Check the Dunedin City Council’s website and the Otago Regional Council’s website for flooding and river level updates. Residents can also visit water.orc.govt.nz, call 0800 426 463 or receive flood alerts via Twitter.
See more at the RNZ page
Electricity now off in Pitt Street, Central Dunedin…..
### tvnz.co.nz 6:29PM Thursday June 04, 2015
Dunedin pumping stations and water system simply couldn’t cope, says council
Source: ONE News
It was thought Dunedin’s pumping stations had failed during the city’s flood of the century. Questions are now being raised about whether Dunedin was adequately prepared for a massive weather event.
The Fire Service yesterday believed the Dunedin City Council water pumps had failed as a result of the torrential rain that swamped the city. But as the water subsided it was discovered that the pumps simply couldn’t handle the huge volume of water as 175mm of rain fell during a 24 hour period.
Read more + Video
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### 3news.co.nz Thursday 4 Jun 2015 2:50 p.m.
Dunedin community rallies for flood clean-up
By Brooke Gardiner and Annabelle Tukia Thomas Mead
Dunedin’s community groups are banding together to help the city recover from severe flooding. The area was hammered by torrential downpour over 24 hours yesterday with around 175mm of rain flooding rest homes, schools, homes and businesses.
Dunedin City Council (DCC) has classified the deluge as a “one in a 100 year flood” and slips continue to give council workers a headache today. DCC roading maintenance manager Peter Standring says Taiaroa Head has been cut off and crews have been out since daybreak. […]
Pumping activities were still underway in southern parts of the city earlier today and the Southern District Health Board has set up an emergency operations centre to support its staff and patients. The roads remain hazardous and locals are advised to drive to the conditions.
Red Cross has set up welfare and disaster teams around the city, handing out bedding and tarpaulins and helping displaced people to get somewhere safe.
The Salvation Army is also on board and has started dropping off food parcels to the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church on King Edward St.
Road Closures at 5:30pm:
Portobello Rd from Portobello and Weir Rd;
Highcliff Rd from Camp Rd to Portobello;
Scroggs Hill Rd from Law Rd to McMaster Rd;
Saddle Hill Rd down to one lane in places due to slips;
Queens Dr from Chamberlain St to Como St;
Riccarton Rd from SH87 to Tirohanga Rd;
Portobello Rd from Beaconsfield to Beaconsfield Rd;
Gladstone Rd South from McGlashan St to Riccarton Rd;
Waitati Valley Rd from the ford at RP6800 to end;
McIntosh Rd from Waitati Valley Rd;
Miller Road from Waitati Valley Rd;
Gladfield Rd from Bush Rd to Dukes Rd;
Flagstaff/Whare Flat Rd from Pineapple Track to Silverstream Valley Rd
Read more + Video
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### dunedintv.co.nz June 4, 2015 – 5:52pm
City takes toll in the aftermath of flood
Residents are cleaning up the aftermath of what’s being described as a one in one hundred year flood. Large slips around the city are being cleared, and hundreds of home owners are assessing the damage to their properties. And although the rain’s finally stopped, authorities warn the danger isn’t over yet.
Video
### dunedintv.co.nz June 4, 2015 – 5:48pm
Business community reeling from flood damage
Flood damage is expected to cost the city considerably, and the business community is reeling. Many store owners have spent the day unblocking drains and mopping up, following yesterday’s downpour. And although it’s a tough time, some are counting their blessings that the situation’s not worse.
Video
### dunedintv.co.nz June 4, 2015 – 5:46pm
City’s most vulnerable residents a priority for emergency centres
The city’s most vulnerable residents are a priority for local agencies, as staff assist flood victims. Temporary emergency centres are operating out of Dunedin Hospital and a South Dunedin church. And that’s ensuring residents of all ages are well looked after in their time of need.
Video
### dunedintv.co.nz June 4, 2015 – 6:25pm
Schools out for flooding
Thousands of local children avoided class today, due to extensive flooding. All primary and intermediate schools across the city were closed, as well as all kindergartens. Conditions were considered too dangerous as a result of widespread flooding and road closures. Severe flooding in South Dunedin meant both Queens’ and Kings’ high schools were also shut. And in Mosgiel a damaged boiler forced the closure of Taieri College. Other secondary schools stayed open, as did the university and polytechnic. University staff say mid-year exams are running smoothly, thanks in part to the proximity of student flats to the campus.
Ch39 Link
### dunedintv.co.nz June 4, 2015 – 5:59pm
Central city receives record rainfall
Official records show the central city received 175mm of rain in the 24 hours to 6 o’clock this morning. That’s the highest rainfall Dunedin’s had since Metservice records for the central city began in 2006. And it’s estimated to be one of the highest 24 hour rainfalls in the city’s history. The Water of Leith peaked last night at 100 cumecs – almost the highest flow its recorded since continuous records began in 1964. River levels are now returning to normal.
Ch39 Link
From a colleague:
“Trailer for TV One News 10.30 pm – floods in Dunedin – council caught ill prepared.”
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DCC duckshoving to avoid the bleeding obvious, while broadcast media and Dunedin community spell it out.
### Stuff.co.nz Last updated 17:42, June 4 2015
Police boost patrols to stop looting in flood-hammered Dunedin
By Hamish McNeilly and Myles Hume
Police will boost patrols in flooded Dunedin areas to stop looters targeting evacuated homes. “There will be a lot of vacant houses out there, some people have self-evacuated and won’t be able to go back for some time,” Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall said. “We will try and negate some profiteering from some of the lower life … some people take advantage of other people’s sorrow.” McDouall urged motorists to drive to the conditions. “Our biggest concerns are motorists travelling at speed through the affected areas and causing heartache to residents,” he said. He urged the public who had left their homes to remember their pets.
Read more + Video
Here’s the council’s PR Machine cranking in:
█ A Mayoral Fund had been set up to help flood-affected residents. (Stuff)
The council received more than 3000 calls, including those from those volunteering to help with clean-up efforts.
This council have spent far too much time covering their arse on Citifleet, making excuses for the stadium and more recently trying to silence Vandervis. Fatboy Slim recorded a catchy tune with catchy words – “right here, right now” and in light of the floods it would appear the DCC are struggling with the here and the now !!!
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{Speakin’ of…. -Eds}
FatboySlim Uploaded on May 18, 2010
Right Here, Right Now by Fatboy Slim [Official Video]
(Google Play • eMusic • iTunes)
[Tshirt says it all]
### ODT Online Fri, 5 Jun 2015
Don’t blame climate change for city deluge, weather experts say
By Eileen Goodwin
The flooding in Dunedin on Wednesday was not caused by climate change, a University of Otago climatologist says. “I think this is just a weather event,” Dr Nicolas Cullen, of the department of geography, said.
Read more
This article is really interesting, particularly the comment from hydrologist Dave Stewart that upgrading the system to cope with more than a one-in-10-year event would ‘require a massive investment and rates hike.’ According to the 2015 Annual Plan consultation documents still on the DCC website about water infrastructure, coping with a 1 in 10 year event is the standard which the DCC is aiming to uphold over the next 30 years, although they are making provision for re-evaluation of that capacity but not necessarily for budgeting for it. They do seem to be at least talking about their legal responsibilities to ‘take into account’ possible adverse climate change effects and possible sea level rise.
The Infrastructure Committee may listen politely at their public forum but what they are likely to be thinking regarding anyone complaining or asking questions now is, “Why didn’t you read the Annual and Long Term Plan documents and make a submission about it then?” There really is a lot of information on the DCC website.
This ‘one-in-ten-years’ event idea is a statistical measure, based on past events. There’s more about it on the NIWA site. An article on Stuff.co.nz with the title: “Was it a 1-in-100 year flood?” quotes a Christchurch drainage manager as saying that ‘it actually meant in any given year there was a one per cent chance of an event of a certain magnitude occurring.’ But it’s always a human being somewhere who works out odds. The same article mentions two of these statistically unlikely events occurring in Christchurch in two consecutive years.
Pity in a way this deluge didn’t happen before a DCC Long Term Plan, rather than immediately after one. Because the most promising remedy seems to me for the DCC to upgrade their storm water capacity to GREATER than coping with a 1 in 10 years rain event and also to SHORTEN the maintenance backlog and upgrade period from 30 years to a much shorter time period. In other words, do more faster.
Diane – that’s exactly what we should be asking the committee next Tuesday to speed up with the pipe renewal program and particularly South Dunedin in the light of last Wednesday rainfall. Council have an excellent Three Waters Strategy and now know where the co-ordinated work needs to be done. That’s why they said in the LTP about a backlog of $60M in pipe renewals. I deliberately said “co-ordinated” because the point of Three Waters is to go into a suburb (as recently, Andersons Bay) and renew any pipe (whether it is water, wastewater or stormwater in the one project to avoid the same street being dug up many times with different unco-ordinated projects. This is the urgent need for South Dunedin and even if other projects need to be put on hold to release precious funds for the things that really matter. Already this is happening as my informed source tells me all cycling projects are on hold to release the funds needed for pipe renewals. So it is not too late to change the budget. The events of 3 June 2015 absolutely demand this and I am most concerned that Mayor Cull is allegedly hinting about walking away from South Dunedin because of rising sea levels and watertables. Tell that to the 200 householders affected by the floods. How do they retain their property values, let alone their insurance cover with such a view as this?
Diane – and another good thought – mudtanks. Lee Vandervis’ revelations don’t give me any comfort about the level of commitment on this; despite the Mayor assuring us that all maintenance in South Dunedin was done before 3 June 2015. My experience with my street a couple of years ago was a little disconcerting and it was only after the personal intervention of the former Chair of Infrastructure Committee (Andrew Noone) that I got our local mudtank cleared to our satisfaction. Perhaps worth raising this question at the Tuesday meeting,once having read Lee’s emails covering his experience with the contractor in 2011.
Let’s get some perspective here. Mayor Cull talks about South Dunedin as a lost cause due to sea level rise and even hinting at walking away from it.
The sea level rise predictions of the proponents of Global Warming (now morphed into the generalised Climate Change) are that we could have 40 millimetres by 2040 and even as much as 800mm to 1.6 metres by 2070/80. This despite the fact that empirical measured records over 110 years around New Zealand show a rise if 1-7mm per year, or a total 187mm over that time. Go figure? And the worrying thing is that these people are planning, based on the those extravagant anecdotal predictions. This is economic madness and city destroying stuff. They have already had a report from a consultant firm suggesting dire outcomes and plans for pumping installations etc, all future work for those same consultants. I’ve always said, the first step in any consultancy brief is to assess what it believes the client wants to hear then build the report to fit. That way it can ensure future business. That applies to all disciplines.
Lyndon: the DCC will accept written public forum submissions. I have done this a couple of times. Maybe you should do this. I don’t feel entirely comfortable with taking this action myself. I think the media messages (including from this website) will have seriously motivated the full council to take ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’ actions to try to cover for the ‘fence at the top of the cliff’ actions neglected in the past. I think the ball is in their court now and I’d rather wait and see what they come up with. And no doubt scrutinise and critique that.
Lyndon: Your submission to the Infrastructure Services Committee was accepted by the chair and attached to the agenda for committee members. I did my submission about residents ‘adopting’ or otherwise reporting to the DCC about blocked mudtanks – and Cr Calvert mentioned a cell phone app used in Christchurch so residents can send a photo with a GPS tag to the council about stuff that needs fixing. Good idea.
I also used a digital voice recorder at the Infrastructure meeting (!) – and also at the Regulatory Services meeting immediately before (after letting the governance officer know so they could notify the meeting chairs I was recording the meeting as required … who then tell members of the committee). Worked well. It is too long to wait 25 days or more to get the meeting video. If I get a bit more technically competent with this, I should be able to post short sound files so you can hear anything really interesting said at council meetings. And no-one can cut any interesting (or embarrassing) bits out of my sound recording!
Chair of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Kate Wilson was very nice and thanked me for my ongoing interest. And Cr Benson-Pope same down in the lift with me, telling me how publicly-spirited local residents always used to clear local mudtanks….
I also asked if a written submission was not accepted whether, (as I was present) I could present it on behalf of someone else. No answer because yours had been accepted. But I will check with the governance officers if this can be done – a proxy. Don’t see why not. It is difficult for many people to attend meetings during the middle of the day and they are usually too tired to go to evening ones.
Civil Defence was on the agenda for the Regulatory Committee, just co-incidentally. but there were quite a few question from committee members about that. They are waiting for an update on that issue after the review following the flood.
Pretty relaxed vibes at these two meetings and not at all unpleasant to be there.
Diane, this is great news re potential audio files. Thanks for the very informative comments you’re adding – community service!
More ODT coverage:
Flooding: Latest updates
● Video: Aerial video of Dunedin Flooding
Video courtesy One News.
● Video: Dunedin begins flood clean-up
Clean-up begins in earnest
Clean-up efforts begin in earnest today as water levels continue to fall after this week’s flooding.
Flood will cost ratepayers: Cull
Dunedin’s massive deluge will hit ratepayers in the form of delayed projects and funding reallocations, Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull concedes.
Student volunteers quick to lend hand
OUSA communications manager Tess Trotter said up to 150 students were among about 300 volunteers who made their way to St Kilda to help with sandbagging on Wednesday night. OUSA put out the call for help on the UniCrew Volunteers Facebook page and the response was immense.
This article also includes mention of non-student volunteering efforts.
A Civil Defence welfare centre was set up at the St James’ Presbyterian Church in King Edward St, South Dunedin.
█ People who wanted to donate baking to volunteers were encouraged to go to the church or to the St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club, DCC planning and intelligence manager Nicola Pinfold said.
‘There was no road under the wheels’
A Dunedin man who drove into a gaping hole in Highcliff Rd says the road in front of him just disappeared.
No hope of saving house after landslip
A Northeast Valley, Dunedin, man whose kitchen was left hanging in mid-air after a ”canyon” opened up in his section accepts he is unlikely to be able to return home.
Family staying in motel after home inundated
Reality sank in for dozens of South Dunedin residents yesterday as the extent of flood damage became clear.
Urgent action needed after flooding – Curran
Lessons need to be learnt about the state of South Dunedin’s sewers, storm water drains and pumping systems following this week’s floods.
Damage to slip repair ‘superficial’
Dementia unit closed for repairs
Landslips block residents’ access
Treasured items ruined, homes unfit to occupy
Council’s flood response praised
Editorial: In praise of volunteers
OPINION The simple act of volunteering one’s services to help another individual is generally considered an altruistic activity, one intended to promote goodness or improve the quality of life of others. In return, acts of volunteering can produce feelings of self-worth and respect. […] In the past two weeks, thousands of people in Otago have stepped up to volunteer their services as the region has been hit by a series of natural disasters which have caused suffering for some.
It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good: “delayed projects and funding reallocations, Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull concedes.”
Delayed until wisdom comes along?
Wisdom is a rare bird. Monitoring the short supply. Extinction next. Hunted out.
### dunedintv.co.nz June 5, 2015 – 6:50pm
Volunteers pour in to aid flood relief efforts
Civil Defence is being inundated with volunteers keen to help the flood relief effort. Dozens of people are now on a waiting list, as many more hit the streets to check on affected residents. And the widespread community support is being met with heightened emotion.
Video
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### dunedintv.co.nz June 5, 2015 – 6:46pm
DCC and contractors deal with roading network damages
Extensive flood damage to the city’s roading network is starting to be dealt with by the city council and its contractors. This week’s record rainfall has caused numerous slips and swept away parts of some roads. And many streets remain closed.
Video
SATURDAY 6 JUNE
Items at ODT Online:
Cull rejects state-of-emergency claim
Little impact expected from wastewater
Longer-term effect on health expected
Hundreds of calls for carpet cleaning service
Waterlogged
Floods affect penguin planting
Any talk of abandoning SD isn’t matched by what is going on there. Plenty of evidence of old houses being pulled down with multiunit housing rising in the same spots. This is loose talk not based on reality.
By the same logic, why just SD? Why not St Kilda, Tainui, Musselburgh and, God Forbid, St Clair where more expensive real estate is?
Surely the test of whether there can be a rebuild on a particular section should be where the water table is, and what’s its history of flooding, not its street address.
My cousin’s place in Tainui, that’s one I was thinking of when I wrote about water 2 spades’ depth down.
There’s Sth Dunners the suburb, and Sth Dunners the flat southern part of Dunedin. It’s the latter that has problems, irrespective of what suburb it’s called. Not all parts of all southern Dunedin suburbs are the same either.
ODT: Months to repair Dunedin flood damage
Dunedin’s floodwaters receded within a few days, but some of the damaged infrastructure will take many months to repair. Slips, dropouts, damage to road surfaces and blown out stormwater pipes and manholes would all need repairing, Dunedin roading maintenance engineer Peter Standring said yesterday.
Read more
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ODT: Centre to aid those hit by floods
The Dunedin City Council will open a recovery assistance centre today to support South Dunedin residents and property owners affected by last week’s floods. Council recovery manager Ruth Stokes said the centre was being opened at the Church of Christ hall, at 3 Prince Albert Rd, in response to ongoing demand. It would be open from noon, with usual opening hours from 10am to 4pm, and a late night on Thursday.
Read more
I understand the repair bill is estimated to be $2m. But that’s fine because all Council has to do is stop the allocation of Cricket Lighting which is the equivalent amount.
35 Years ago I had a house in Tainui. The backyard was always about 6″ to one foot deep in water in winter at high tide. The house was not affected strangely, no rising damp, not cold etc. if there had been any rise in sea level since then the house would be uninhabitable.
### ODT Online Thu, 6 Aug 2015
Civil defence group manager appointed
By John Gibb
Chris Hawker, of Christchurch, has been appointed inaugural manager/controller for the Otago Regional Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group. Experienced in both business and local government, Mr Hawker has spent the past nine years in operational and teaching roles at Canterbury University.
Read more