Local state of emergency declared in Canterbury : Newsline

State of emergency lifted in Christchurch

The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is lifting the state of emergency for the region except for the Ashburton, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts, where it will be extended for seven days.

Missed kerbside collection

Due to the torrential rain and heavy flooding over the weekend there were streets that were in accessible due to road closure for kerbside collection on Monday and Tuesday.

We will return to collect the bins tomorrow, Wednesday 2 June, for those properties on the following streets that did not have their bins emptied: Clarendon Tce, Sheldon St, Richardson Tce, Tavender St, Hunter Tce, Riverlaw Terrace, and Eastern Terrace.

Please have your bins out by 6am.

All Christchurch roads now open

All Christchurch roads affected by flooding have now re-opened.

Flooding update

With flooding easing across the city, roads that were closed are gradually being re-opened.

You can get the latest information on which roads have reopened through our online road closures map.

Due to the amount of rain that has fallen, we do expect to see potholes appearing in some of our roads over the coming days. If you come across a pothole, the best way to report it is through using our Snap Send Solve app.

We are aware there are some wastewater overflows. If you come into contact with any floodwater, you should treat it as potentially contaminated. Change out of any wet clothes and shoes and put them aside to be washed later. Wash skin that has come into contact with flood waters, and wash your hands as soon as you reasonably can - or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

The wastewater overflows are likely to stop as the flood waters recede.

We are still having some issues with the wastewater system in St Heliers Crescent in Aranui and in Warden Street, Cargill Place, North Parade, Hope Street and Hercules Street in Shirley. We have sucker trucks in that area but we are asking residents living on those streets to use water for essential purposes only for the next 24 hours.

We are also asking residents in Duvauchelle to restrict their water use for the next 48 hours. The heavy rain has affected the streams that we rely on for the water supply in Duvauchelle. We will be tanking water in until we can restore the water supply but residents are asked to conserve water in the meantime.

The stormwater storage basins in the Upper Heathcote catchment worked as intended over the past couple of days. We will be gradually releasing the water stored in them. The discharges from these basins will be timed to coincide with the outgoing tide in order to avoid putting any further pressure on the Heathcote.

State highway update

CLOSED

SH1 Burnham to Dunsandel
SH1 Ashburton, The Ashburton (Hakatere) River Bridge
SH1 Temuka remains closed with the closure now from Donald St to Lynnford Rd in Hinds.
SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill - next update due by midday Thursday, 3 June
SH77 Darfield to Mount Hutt

REOPENED

SH77 Mount Hutt to Winchmore
SH79 Orari to Rangitata

OPEN

SH1 Ashburton near Saunders Rd - Flooding
SH1/SH8 Timaru to Fairlie - Flooding
SH75 Barrys Bay to Birdlings Flat
SH77 Mount Hutt to Winchmore - Flooding
SH79 Geraldine to Rangitata - Flooding
SH8 Fairlie to Tekapo (Burkes Pass) - Flooding
SH82 Station Peak - Flooding

Little River

The flooding has eased in Little River. The Little River Service Hub and Library will open as normal today.

Conditions improving

Weather conditions are starting to improve, with the rain easing. We expect to be able to start opening some of the closed roads in Christchurch later today.

Last Monday update

This is our last update for today, Monday 31 May, unless the situation changes significantly overnight. We will have another update in the morning once we have further information and have assessed the roads.

Kerbside collection

Due to localised flooding, we haven’t been able to complete all of our kerbside collections today.

Residents living in the following streets are affected:

Clarendon Tce
Richardson Tce
Sheldon St from #18 to Clarendon Tce
Tavender St from #10 to Clarendon Tce

When these roads reopen, please put your bins out again and our contractor will return to empty them.

If your bins are due to be emptied on Tuesday, please put them out as usual, before 6am. If you are living on a road that is currently closed, still put your bins out for collection, if possible, as our contractors will empty them when the roads are re-opened.

New road closure

Sparks Road is now one way at its intersection with Henderson Road. You can still turn west towards Halswell.

For a complete run-down of local road closures check out our online map.

Tonight's high tide

High tide is between 9.15pm and 9.30pm this evening and is expected to be lower than previous tides. We would expect to see surface flooding to continue in areas where this is already happening. We don’t expect to see flooding in new areas overnight.

If you have to be on the roads today, please heed the road closure signs. If you have to drive through flood waters, drive slowly to avoid pushing water onto nearby properties. Don’t walk or bike through floodwaters as they could be contaminated with wastewater.

Upper Heathcote basins

Stormwater basins are being managed in the Upper Heathcote area. We are currently discharging floodwater from Curlett’s Basin. Earlier we were discharging from Wigram Basin but we have now stopped this.

We are alternating discharging between the two basins on the outgoing tide.

Wastewater overflows

We are aware that a few properties are experiencing issues with their wastewater pipes overflowing. This is due to the increased demand on the system from the stormwater.

Rather than call a drainlayer or plumber we suggest waiting for the floodwaters to recede as it is likely the problem will resolve itself.

Pumps in Southshore

Thank you to the community members who have been in touch regarding the pumps stopping and starting. We are keeping a close eye on the pumps and have contractors out there regularly to make sure they are working as they should.

Unfortunately we’ve had a couple of instances where the pumps have been deliberately stopped and the discharge pipes decoupled and dragged back into the streets. The Police will be increasing their presence in the area to help us ensure the pumps aren’t tampered with overnight.

Banks Peninsula update

Residents in the Akaroa harbour area are still being asked to conserve water. This is particularly critical around Duvauchelle. Residents should try and keep their water use to a minimum.

We are asking residents in Duvauchelle only to use water required for essential purposes.

The flooding in Akaroa has greatly receded after our contractors unblocked the major stormwater pipe.

However, there is still flooding and slips in other parts of Banks Peninsula so anyone travelling in that area should exercise extreme care.

Our contractors are planning to open Lake Forsyth due to the high rainfall over the last couple of days.

The opening of the lake will not result in an immediate reduction in flood levels in Little River but it will ensure the situation does not get any worse.

SVA preparing to mobilise

The Student Volunteer Army (SVA) preparing to step in to help with the inevitable clean-up that will be required after the flooding in Canterbury.

“After the earthquakes, farmers in the regions helped out Christchurch in a major way. After these floods, we're going to be focused on returning the favour,'' says SVA founder and chief executive Sam Johnson.

"We encourage anyone who has the time and capacity to support the clean up efforts to join us - everyone is welcome to lend a helping hand.”

For volunteers wanting to assist, the best place to receive updates is via the SVA App, which is downloadable via all of the usual channels (register your ability to assist by joining the ‘Flooding Support Activity’). The SVA will be sharing updates on social media as well.

Those needing help or support should let the SVA know; either by calling 0800 005 902 or emailing hello@sva.org.nz.

Lane closures on Fitzgerald Avenue

Fitzgerald Avenue, between Tuam and Lichfield Streets, has been reduced to one lane because of a sinkhole.

Road closures

Two more roads have been closed due to flooding. They are:

Lower Styx Road, from Spencerville to Harbour Road.
Harbour Road, from Lower Styx Road to the end of the street.

Latest weather forecast

New forecasts suggests the rain band over the Canterbury region is likely to continue to bring steady rain until about 7pm tonight, with showers then likely overnight.

Rainfall rates are currently 6 to 10mm/hour over much of Banks Peninsula and western parts of the Port Hills (including the Heathcote River catchment), and 3 to 6mm/hour in other areas.

From midday to midnight, we are expecting another 50 to 80mm of rain for the southern parts of Banks Peninsula and western parts of the Port Hills, with much of this before 8pm. Other parts of the city can expect 25 to 40mm of rain.

Little River Service Hub and Library closed

Due to the closure of State Highway 75 between Birdlings Flat and Barry's Bay and rising flood waters on the main road through Little River, the Little River Service Hub and Library is closed until further notice.

Part of Marine Parade closed

Marine Parade, between Fleming Street and Leaver Terrace, is closed due to flooding.

Road closure map

A map showing all the local road closures around Christchurch and Banks is available online.

View the map.

Wastewater issues in Aranui/Shirley

We are currently having some issues with the waste water system in St Heliers Crescent in Aranui, and on the following streets in Shirley:

· Warden Street

· Cargill Place

· North Parade

· Hope Street

· Hercules Street

The Council currently has sucker trucks out in Shirley to help with the situation, but for the next 24 hours residents in the area are asked to avoid doing washing, and to flush toilets only when absolutely necessary.

State Highway 75 closure

State Highway 75 is now closed from Barry's Bay to Birdlings Flat.

Banks Peninsula road closures

Pigeon Bay Road is closed due to a slip.

Okains Bay Road is down to one lane due to a slip.

Rue Brittan is closed on Brittan Terrace.

Rue Lavaud, the road into Akaroa township, is currently open but access is limited due to severe flooding.

Please, if you are travelling today, take extreme care on the roads.

Flooding in Akaroa

Parts of Akaroa township are experiencing severe flooding.

The flooding appears to be caused by blocked pipes. Council staff and contractors are on site, assessing the situation.

The worst of the flooding is around the recreation ground. People should avoid travelling through this area.

It is possible the water maybe contaminated. If you do come into contact with flood waters, change out of any wet clothes and shoes and put them aside to be washed later. Wash skin that has come into contact with flood waters, and wash your hands as soon as you reasonably can - or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Akaroa residents asked to conserve water

Residents in Akaroa and surrounding areas are being asked to conserve water during the current state of emergency.

The water supply in the area relies heavily on the surrounding streams, which are being affected by the heavy rains. That means drinking water is now only being sourced from bores.

Until the streams can be used again, residents are asked to use water sparingly.

There are no contamination issues with the drinking water and boiling is not currently required.

Wastewater overflows

The heavy rain has resulted in some wastewater overflows so people are advised to treat any flood waters or river water they come into contact with as potentially contaminated.

If you do come into contact with flood waters, change out of any wet clothes and shoes and put them aside to be washed later. Wash skin that has come into contact with flood waters, and wash your hands as soon as you reasonably can - or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Roads to remain closed

Roads in Christchurch City that are closed due to flooding will remain closed at least until 9am tomorrow morning.

The closures affect the following roads:

Avondale Rd - New Brighton Rd / Bassett St to Breezes Rd
Avonside Dr - Retreat Rd to Woodham Rd
Avonside Dr - Wainoni Rd to Torlesse St
Aynsley Tce - Centaurus Rd to Opawa Rd
Clarendon Tce - Full length
Cumnor Tce - Full length
Eastern Tce - Tennyson St to Malcom Ave
Eglinton St - Breezes Rd to Woolley St
Ford Rd - Opawa Rd to Newberry Rd
Green Lane - Full length
Hunter Tce - Malcolm Ave to end
Maces Rd / Ruru Rd - at the intersection
McCormacks Bay Rd - Full length
New Brighton Rd - Bower Ave to Pages Rd / Hawke St
Newport St - Emlyn Pl to Wainoni Rd
Oakridge Tce - Wales St to Nicholls St
Owles Tce - Hardy St to Collingwood St
Richardson Tce - Full length
River Rd - North Parade to Banks Ave
Woolley St - Avondale Rd to Waratah St

More road closures

Green Lane is closed.
Hunter Terrace is closed, from Malcolm Avenue.

High tide due shortly

High tide is due to 8.30am this morning, slightly later for some parts of the Heathcote River.

All options for managing the incoming tide are being used.

“Cashmere Valley and Curletts Basin’s still have significant storage volume available. The Cashmere Basin has reached only 40 per cent of its maximum water depth and Curletts Basin’s has reached 75 per cent,’’ says Christchurch City Council Acting Head of Three Waters and Waste Tim Drennan.

High tide in Sumner is predicted to be 10.57 mRL this morning. This is significantly lower than the predictions and recordings over the last few days that were around 10.81 m RL.

“There have been no reports of any properties in Christchurch being flooded above floor level but there is widespread surface flooding in low-lying riverside areas,’’ Mr Drennan says.

If you have to be on the roads today, please heed the road closure signs. If you have to drive through flood waters, drive slowly to avoid pushing water onto nearby properties.

Don’t walk or bike through floodwaters as they could be contaminated with wastewater.

He Puna Taimoana closed today

Due to the State of Emergency and the king tides, He Puna Taimoana is closed today.

All guests booked in for sessions at the hot pools will be contacted by staff at He Puna Taimoana and will receive a credit to use the pools at an alternative time that suits them.

School, early learning centre closures

Fifty-two schools and kura and 24 early learning services in Canterbury have confirmed to the Ministry of Education that they will be closed today.

Any closures of schools and early learning services are a matter for each school board or service manager to decide on a case-by-case basis.

Students, parents and whānau are encouraged to check with their schools, kura or early learning service about whether they are open through regular channels such as their websites or social media.

Road closures in Christchurch city

Avondale Rd - CLOSED - New Brighton Rd / Bassett St to Breezes Rd
Avonside Dr - CLOSED - Retreat Rd to Woodham Rd
Avonside Dr - CLOSED - Wainoni Rd to Torlesse St
Aynsley Tce - CLOSED - Centaurus Rd to Opawa Rd
Clarendon Tce - CLOSED - Full length
Cumor Tce - CLOSED - Full length
Eastern Tce - CLOSED - Tennyson St to Malcom Ave
Eglinton St - CLOSED - Breezes Rd to Woolley St
Ford Rd - CLOSED - Opawa Rd to Newberry Rd
Hulverston Dr - OPEN - Severe Flooding - Avondale Rd to Orrick Cres
Maces Rd / Ruru Rd - CLOSED at the intersection
McCormacks Bay Rd - CLOSED - Full length
New Brighton Rd - CLOSED - Bower Ave to Pages Rd / Hawke St
Newport St - CLOSED - Emlyn Pl to Wainoni Rd
Oakridge Tce - CLOSED - Wales St to Nicholls St
Owles Tce - CLOSED - Hardy St to Collingwood St
Richardson Tce - CLOSED - Full length
River Rd - CLOSED - North Parade to Banks Ave
Woolley St - CLOSED - Avondale Rd to Waratah St

Monday morning state highway update

CLOSED

SH1 Burnham to Dunsandel
SH1 Temuka between Arowhenua Rd and Huirapa St
SH1 Hinds River Bridge between Delamaine St and Lynnford Rd
SH73 Darfield to Springfield
SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill - next update due by midday
SH77 Darfield to Mount Hutt
SH77 Rakaia Gorge to Methven
SH77 Glentunnel to Windwhistle
SH79 Fairlie to Rangitata
SH8 Fairlie to Tekapo (Burkes Pass)

OPEN

SH1 Ashburton near Saunders Rd - flooding
SH1/8 Timaru to Fairlie - flooding

State of local emergency declared in Canterbury

The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has declared a state of local emergency in Canterbury, extending emergency powers across the entire region, as heavy rain continues to cause flooding.

Chair of the Joint Committee, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, made the declaration at 4:45pm, extending the state of emergency across Canterbury, following local declarations of emergency in the Timaru, Ashburton and Selwyn districts.

Mayor Dalziel said that the group felt that it was important that they declare an emergency for the entire Canterbury region, which will give local authorities the ability to take any action required as the situation unfolds.

“It also means all of the region’s resources are available, and we don’t have to worry about territorial boundaries,” she said.

Full list of road closures in Christchurch

To recap, the following the roads are closed due to flooding and are likely to remain closed overnight.

Eastern Terrace, from Malcolm Street to Tennyson Avenue.
Eglington Street, from Breezes Road to Woolley Street.
Woolley Street, from Avondale Road to Waratah Street.
Avondale Road, from New Brighton Rd/Bassett Street to Breezes Road.
Newport Road from Emlyn Street to Wainoni Road.
Owles Terrace, from Hardy Street to Collingwood Road.
Aynsley Terrace, from Centaurus Road to Opawa Road.
Clarendon Terrace, from Sheldon Street to Opawa Road.
Richardson Terrace, from Opawa Road to Mackenzie Avenue.
McCormacks Bay Road.
Cumnor Terrace, from Chapmans Road to Garlands Road.
Ford Road, from Opawa Road to Newbery Road.
Avonside Road, from Retreat Road to Woodham Road
River Road, from Banks Avenue to Medway Street.

If you need to be on the roads, please drive slowly, particularly through any surface flooding, so that you don’t push water onto people’s properties.

Also, try and avoid walking or biking through surface flooding as there is a chance it could be contaminated with wastewater.

High tide due at 8pm

The next high tide is due at 8pm tonight and is likely to bring some more flooding.

There will be another high tide again at 8.30am tomorrow.

The roads that have been closed today are likely to remain closed until the high tides have passed tomorrow so if you normally travel these routes to get to work or school, please start thinking about making alternate plans.

If anyone living close to a river or waterway is feeling at all unsafe, they should self-evacuate.

If you need to report a problem in your area please call our Contact Centre on 941-8999, or it if is an emergency, call 111.

Monday's kerbside collection

We’re advising people who have a kerbside collection scheduled for Monday, to put their bins out tomorrow morning before 6am, rather than overnight, if possible.

This is due to weather conditions and to avoid bins blowing over with potential high winds overnight.

If your street is closed due to flooding and you have a kerbside collection scheduled for Monday, please do not put your bins out until your street has re-opened. Our Resource Recovery (Kerbside Collection) staff will organise for your bins to be collected when this happens.

ECan monitoring river levels

Environment Canterbury is monitoring rainfall and river flows across the region, with details available on its website.

“We’re working closely with Civil Defence and the MetService to monitor the situation and will be posting rainfall and riverflow updates on our website as the situation develops. We suggest that people stay at home and wait the weather out, avoid rivers and only travel if essential,'' says ECan rivers manager Leigh Griffiths.