Nine homes have been red-stickered in Dunedin as the impacts of the wettest day recorded in the city in more than a century continue to be felt by many today.
However, there are some signs of improvement, with access to the city from the north via State Highway 1 reopened this afternoon.
There were long queues of traffic north and south as the road opened in both directions, NZTA said.
A State of Emergency was declared for Dunedin on Thursday night amid heavy rainfall and flooding. Clutha District Council declared a State of Emergency for Clutha yesterday.
The red sticker classifications now issued following close to 50 inspections across the city mean those houses are not safe to occupy. Dunedin Civil Defence was unable to confirm where these houses were located.
A precautionary boil water notice has also been put in place for properties in West Harbour.
Civil Defence controller Scott MacLean said it was a “safeguard” as the council has switched to a new water supply following the main pipe being washed out in a slip at Maia.
The welfare centre at Forsyth Barr Stadium will close this evening, with anyone unable to return to their own home given help to find temporary accommodation.
Early this morning, a Dunedin City Council spokesperson said that conditions have “improved” but slips and road closures remain.
“Despite the weather easing, the city has experienced several slips, including a large one on the West Harbour, and some that have affected houses,” said Civil Defence Controller Sandy Graham. “Connectivity in, out and within the city is a priority as there are more than 40 road closures.”
Residents were urged to take care and avoid non-essential travel.
This afternoon, NZTA said only three highway routes or sections remain closed.
One of those is SH88 in Dunedin between Forsyth Barr Stadium/Parry St and Port Chalmers , which will reopen at 6am on Monday with restrictions. The other two are SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde, and SH90 Tapanui to Waikoikoi, which has a detour in place.
A State of Emergency was declared for Dunedin on Thursday night amid heavy rainfall and flooding. (Source: 1News)
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People in the area were also urged to continue conserving water.
“It is not yet known when water services will be restored to the Otago Peninsula and West Harbour,” Graham said.
“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.”
The evacuation centre at Forsyth Barr Stadium was “looking after” about 20 people overnight with Red Cross assistance, the council said.
And the Army helped with “a series of cordons” around South Dunedin to stop people driving through flood waters on closed roads.
Thrill seekers have been witnessed kayaking down the Leith which flows through Dunedin. (Source: Supplied)
“This helped to protect properties from flooding due to vehicle-induced bow waves. This was done in coordination with the New Zealand Police,” the council said.
“If residents are in need of help, they are encouraged to phone the DCC on 03 477 4000.”
Otago Civil Defence urged: “If there is anything life-threatening or an emergency, please call 111.”
MetService earlier lifted all severe weather warnings and watches, posting on X: “Note that showers are still expected to affect these areas today, but on an easing trend.”
MetService earlier advised: “Do not enter floodwaters and avoid travel.”
NIWA has confirmed Dunedin has received 105% of its normal spring rainfall, and Balclutha has received around 84% of its seasonal normal.
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said this morning: “With flood waters abating in Otago and Southland, closed highways are slowly reopening except where significant slips and boulders need to be removed and geotechnical advice provided on stability.
“People need to be aware that crews are working hard to restore roads as fast as they can, so please slow down around them and avoid travel in areas that have been under water.
“The land is water-logged and potholes will develop which require people to take care.”
A large boulder fell onto the highway near Parry St, SH88, early last night, NZTA added.
“That route remains closed this weekend with residential and emergency access only and fully staffed checkpoints.”
Risk of gastro outbreak is ‘high’ in flooded areas
Boil water notices are in place as wastewater treatment plants are overflowing at Tapanui, Balclutha, Milton, Kaitangata, Waihola, Owaka and Kaka Point.
“We have had reports of human waste around some of these areas,” the Clutha District Council said in a statement.
“Please assume all floodwaters are contaminated with sewage and chemicals and avoid contact with floodwater whenever possible.”
Residents are being asked to limit flushing the toilet, only flushing “if absolutely necessary”; to bag toilet paper (“place used toilet paper in bags instead of flushing it, to prevent further stress on the wastewater system”) and to avoid using water heavy appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances that “generate significant water runoff”.
In an update at about midday, Emergency Management Otago said: “Public Health is concerned that there is now a high risk of a gastro outbreak in flood-affected parts of the region.
“Because of this, we ask people to ensure they stay out of the flooded and contaminated water, cook with and drink clean water, boil if you have to, and wash hands,” Emergency Management Otago’s (EMO) Matt Alley said.
There are also power and cell tower outages in the district.
