A state of emergency was declared in Central Hawke’s Bay District at 7.30 this morning due to the severe impacts of flooding over the past two days in the coastal communities of Central Hawke’s Bay.

The response efforts are being lead by Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Civil Defence in conjunction with Emergency Services. The Hawke’s Bay Group Emergency Centre has been activated in support, with further support from the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington.

Heavy rain warnings have been lifted for Hawke’s Bay. From 9am Thursday to 9am Friday the rain is forecast to clear in southern coastal areas. Between 25-40mm of rain is expected from Napier northwards during this period. With these low intensities river levels will continue to recede. Weather conditions for the weekend are expected to be cloudy with occasional showers.

The emphasis now is on recovery. The southern coastal communities of Central Hawke’s Bay have been the most seriously affected areas with multiple road closures and extensive damage caused by river flooding. An aerial assessment of the situation from Kairakau to Blackhead has been taking place on Thursday morning.

In other areas of Hawke’s Bay the Hastings District and Napier City Councils are dealing with the weather-related situations within their areas. Overnight a large slip on Breakwater Road, Napier required the evacuation of 18 homes with 5 people using the welfare centre. The New Zealand Transport Agency is working to clear the slip.

There are also significant impacts on the coastal communities of Waimarama and Ocean Beach, with roads, bridges, water supplies, power and telecommunications affected. Telecom have advised that services to 206 customers in Waimarama have been disrupted. This includes access to 111 emergency services as well as normal services. There is also significant impact on private property including farms and farm fences. Now that the rain has stopped, efforts are underway to restore road links, water and other infrastructure. Appropriate assistance to the community, including the farming community, is also being investigated.

A fatal road crash has closed SH2 south of Waipukurau until around midday when police complete their investigations. Detours are in place.

– Central Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence