Gisborne - Rain-soaked District Hit Again

[JennyLeez]

For the second time in a week the region has been hit by heavy rain but this time the effects were more widespread.

Te Karaka was cut off this morning with the closure of State Highway 2 north between Graham Road and Whatatutu Road, near Puha.

Tairawhiti Roads journey manager Helen Harris said it was closed by floodwaters from the swollen Waipaoa River, and there was no diversion in place.

More than 30 other rural roads have now been affected, and there were 10 schools and kindergartens closed.

Last night’s heavy rain fell on an already rain-soaked district. Strong winds left city streets scattered with debris and multiple trees were down around town. This follows flooding over Queen’s Birthday weekend which impacted severely on Tolaga Bay after a million tonnes of forestry slash was washed into the waterways.

A heavy rain warning is in force until 4pm today.

Stormwater and effluent was again released into the city rivers and harbour last night at 8.30pm to prevent sewage overflowing back into homes and on to roads. It is the third time in a week the emergency sewer valves have been opened due to heavy rain.

More than 5500 households and businesses throughout Kaiti and the whole of the East Coast lost power last night when a large macrocarpa tree fell across 50kV power lines in Valley Road by the Massey Road substation.

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The Waikohu No 2 bridge covered in water this morning. Te Karaka was cut off from floodwaters from the swollen Waipaoa River. Patutahi residents were also stuck at home and without power for a few hours. Picture by Tim Shanks.

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