Buller evacuations, flooding, slips, road closures, power outages

Karamea Highway Buller. Photo Buller Emergency Management

Everything and every one in Buller and the district have taken a battering with the tremendous amount of rain over recent days. 

Deputy Mayor Sharon Roche says “it’s been a wild ride for the community – evacuations, flooding, slips, road closures, dump exposures, power outages and more.” 

“The resiliency of the community, contractors and emergency management teams has been put to the test, but she's incredibly proud of how everyone has handled these trying times” 

Buller Emergency Management

“Over the coming weeks, it’s going to be important for the community to understand that clean-up and remediation work will take time.”

Buller has had two floods in a week to cope with and the Karamea State Highway is closed at the moment with slips.

Buller Emergency Management released a statement this afternoon that the “Buller District Council will implement from tomorrow (Monday 14 February 2022) a traffic control plan for the Karamea Highway that will allow escorted traffic to access and leave Karamea three times a day.”

Karamea Highway Buller. Photo Buller Emergency Management

Manager infrastructure delivery Eric de Boer says: “Traffic over the Karamea Bluff will initially be allowed in convoys at set times, using the “follow me” system. This is to control access through some one-lane sections of the hill on each side, to ensure peoples safety, and allow repair work to be carried out.”

 “Vehicles will be escorted over the Karamea Bluff at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm from tomorrow onwards. People who want to leave or access Karamea need to queue at the closure sites on both ends at these

times."

There are many single lane areas that traffic has to pass through and this opportunity is only be open to traffic that is present at the closure sites at the set times.

Buller Floods. Photo Buller Emergency Management

The Community need to arrange their journey plans to coincide with the scheduled opening times and allow for potential delays during the 25km escort.

To inform the public signage has been installed on State Highway 67 near the Pines Tavern as well as Mokihinui Lewis Street corner and the Little Wanganui bridge.

“Looking at the extensive damage, the Karamea Highway will not be fully repaired for some time. The highway will remain closed to free-flowing traffic for at least the next seven days to carry out repairs.”

Karamea Highway Buller. Photo Buller Emergency Management

The scheduled opening hours will enable residents and supplies to access and leave Karamea during this time,” Eric says.

An extensive rebuild programme is currently being planned based on geotechnical advice gathered over the past few days.

The section of the Karamea highway over the Karamea Bluff was severely damaged by slips triggered by heavy rain during the latest two weather events, which struck the Buller District over the past days.

Road access to and from Karamea has been cut off since Wednesday 9 February 2022.

The Buller River in flood. Photo Buller Emergency Management

WestReef staff and their contractors are currently working on removing about 30 large slips and they have widened several areas to allow escorted vehicles to safely pass through this most severely affected section of the highway.

“Apart from the many slips, at some locations the hill beneath parts of the highway dropped 30 – 40 metres and work to repair these areas is not expected to start until appropriate ground stabilization
equipment can be bought in to access these areas,” Eric says.

“The highway is safe to open to controlled traffic but a lot of work needs to be done to get this section of road back to where it was.”

The following roads are closed or have a warning as of 5pm Sunday 13 February.

Road Closure: SH 67 Mokihinui to Karamea

Updated 20 hours ago

View traffic update details

Road Closure: SH 67 Hector to Mokihinui

Updated 96 mins ago

Road Closure: SH 67 Mokihinui, from Lewis Road to Mokihinui- Seddonville Road
Updated 14 hours ago

NZ Transport Agency View traffic update details

Buller slip. Photo Buller Emergency Management

The Buller Emergency Management advised that the Karamea Highway will remain closed until 9am Monday 14 February.

Helicopters are being used to support St John Ambulance and the District Health Board to transport residents requiring medical attention to hospital. 

Helicopters moving tourists out of the area are returning with essential supplies to ensure the town does not run out.

Two slips in the July 2021 flooding that were under repair have not suffered further erosion. 

Work is expected to continue for several months, and drivers should be prepared for delays.

Pigeon Post News

Keep the community informed 

Fire Safety still applies in wet weather

Wet Tasman land becomes very dry very fast.  Photo Ray Therkleson

Nelson - Tasman moves back to restricted fire season

Now with all this wet weather Fire and Emergency have had to move Tasman and Nelson back to a restricted fire season.

What seems like a few days ago I was trying to keep my beans alive with the water restrictions and steaming hot weather. Now it seems that climate change has hit so I am occupied with emptying my rain water gauge so often that I have forgotten about my beans.

All areas of the Nelson-Tasman region have moved back to a restricted fire season from today (11 February 2022).

Perhaps some people willing to go camping in this weather will be pleased but please check if your planned fire activity is allowed, and for fire safety advice, go to www.checkitsalright.nz

Fire and Emergency Nelson-Marlborough District Manager Grant Hayward says while the recent wet weather has meant prohibited fire season rules across Nelson-Tasman have been lifted, the fire risk has not passed completely.

"Being in a restricted fire season means anyone in Nelson-Tasman wanting to light an outdoor fire will need a permit.

"Suspended fire permits across the Nelson, Tasman, Golden Bay, Lake Rotoiti and Murchison areas have been reactivated, and new fire permit applications will be processed as usual," Grant Hayward says.

"There is still a fire risk and everyone should take care.

Recent Richmond house fire. Photo Ray Therkleson

"Permit holders must read and abide by all conditions stipulated on their fire permit and be extra vigilant with vegetation surrounding their proposed burn site.

"Fine fuels will quickly dry out once the warm dry weather returns, so if in doubt do not light up.

"Conditions will be monitored over the next few weeks and further restrictions on lighting open fires may be imposed if conditions deteriorate," says Mr Hayward.

At this stage there is no change to the prohibited fire season in Marlborough.

"The recent wet weather had less of an impact in Marlborough than in Nelson, which had higher rainfall.

"While both areas are part of the same district, the hazards for each can be quite different.

Mr Hayward finally said “we will continue to review the Marlborough and Nelson-Tasman areas, and make appropriate fire season changes based on the risks.”

Waimea Plains Tasman. Photo Ray Therkleson

Pigeon Post News

Keeping you informed

Thanks to

Jess Chaplin

Senior Media Adviser

Fire and Emergency

WARNING out for boats in Nelson Marina

Harbour Master warning for Nelson Marina

Due to the tropical cyclone Devi bearing down on the country the boat owners at Nelson Marina have been advised to come to the marina and check their boats, lines and to make sure everything is secure.

Boat owners have been advised that the approaching tropical cyclone Dovi is due to hit over Sunday/Monday and unfavourable high winds are due to hit the marina full on.

The Nelson Harbour Master has put out a warning also through social media.

“Strong localised wind warning for the weekend, specifically Sunday. At the moment looking like strong South Easterley winds (aside from the rain).”

“Cable Bay will be very strong offshore conditions with this forecast.”

“We’ll be monitoring beaches and ramps on Sunday. Advise small craft to monitor closely and make other plans for Sunday…

'Yacht owners on moorings, please check all is secure.

Nelson City Council put out a notice saying that more rain is to come and intensify over coming days on Friday 11 February.

The Council advised that there are four weather watches and two weather warnings in place for the Nelson Tasman region.

There are two Strong Wind Watches from the MetService also the first: 

Period: 15hrs from 1am - 4pm Sun, 13 Feb

Area: Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds

Forecast: South to southeast winds may rise to severe gale in exposed places.

Issued: 9:05pm Fri 11 Feb

Next update: 10:00am Sat 12 Feb

The second strong wind watch

Period: 23hrs from 7pm Sat, 12 Feb - 6pm Sun, 13 Feb

Area: Tasman and Buller

Forecast: Southeast winds may rise to severe gale in exposed places. Please not the onset time of the watch has been delayed.

Issued: 9:05pm Fri 11 Feb

Next update: 10:00am Sat 12 Feb

The Nelson Harbour Master  shared on social media a snap shot from the Windy App.Hint here- switch the wind gust function on. This will give a more accurate picture of what we’ll expect from the Easterly quarter winds.

The Windy App - Nelson Harbour Master

Pigeon Post News
Thanks to contributors from Golden Bay, Nelson Harbour Master and Nelson City Council.

Tasman District Council road advice near Murchison

Buller River Murchison

Tasman District Council on the 11 February has advised through Antenno that there is still a problem with the roads near and around Murchison due to the rain during the past days. 

Murchison is known as the 'whitewater capital' of the country, because there are rivers everywhere – the Gowan, Mangles, Matiri, Glenroy, Matakitaki, Maruia and the mighty Buller. 

For anybody into canoeing or kayaking, it's a dream come true with the region offering some of the best all-grades options in New Zealand.

But if you are travelling

Take care on these ROADS:

Rappahannock Road - 4wd access only. 

Pointons road - 4wd access only. 

Maruia west bank – 4wd access only. 

Matakitaki west bank has had major slips on it and is closed. Road is ok for normal use up to closure just past Johnsons creek. 

Matakitaki east – open but drive with care. 

Glenroy Road – 4wd access only.

Matiri has had water damage across the sealed are - open but drive with care. 

Brooks road has flood damage - open but drive with care.

Pigeon Post News

No Sun this Weekend for Tasman

Weather Map Friday 11 Feb Tropical Cyclone DOVI bearing down on us

Tasman District Council Principal Hydrologist Martin Doyle explains what we may expect from the weather this weekend.

 "Last week’s rain gave us a good reminder of nature’s potential to wreak havoc – 600mm in Golden Bay over three days and significant rainfall around the Richmond Ranges and out to Hira was testament to that.

 

"As you’ll be aware Buller has copped it once again in the last day or so and this has extended to the southern reaches of Tasman District. We’ve also had some road closures south of Murchison due to slips.

 

"The Friday lunchtime MetService advice was that ex-tropical cyclone DOVI was most likely to pass over central North Island.

Cyclone DOVI over NZ Sunday 13 Feb weather map

"For our region, this means strong easterly winds, and expect moderate to heavy rain (around 150mm in the next 24 hours) across the northern fringe of our region. 

 

"We’re expecting to see surface flooding – annual level flooding at worst - and some slips as a result of the weather, so we’re going to be on alert to provide updates on conditions and respond to the situation as and when it is needed.

 

"Areas mostly likely to be affected are Hira and Collins valleys through to Rai, Riwaka and the Takaka Hill, and the coastal fringe from Tākaka around to Pakawau.  For periods they also expect moderate rain in the Lakes to Upper Buller area, but nothing like the totals and intensities seen over the past week.  

 

"There is the potential for stream and rivers that drain the Richmond Ranges to flood to annual levels – these streams being Collins, Hira and Maitai.  Further slips are very possible through this area.

 

"Expect moderate flooding in the Riwaka area but the Takaka Hill road will get more rain this time and may be vulnerable to slips.  The same advice extends to the  eastern side of the Abel Tasman National Park.

 

"Small rivers and streams in northern Golden Bay may reach annual flood levels.

 

"We are not expecting flooding in our larger rivers to reach more than relatively minor levels – less than an annual flood.

 

"While the effects of DOVI remain moderate for our region, should the path change, this advice will also change. 

Thanks to Principal Hydrologist Martin Doyle and Tim O'Connell Communications Officer Tasman District Council

Pigeon Post News

Rainfall in Tasman sees most water restrictions lifted

Richmond before the rain. Photo R Therkleson

Sunny Tasman should be in drought, but over the last weeks significant unseasonal rainfall has seen the immediate removal of all water restrictions, except for permit holders in the Moutere Eastern Groundwater Zone. 

This is despite a decision made earlier to reinstate water restrictions for a further two weeks, effective Monday 7 February 2022. Since then there has been considerable rainfall.

Tasman District Dry Weather Task Force Convenor Dennis Bush-King said “the appreciable rainfall since then has seen river, and most aquifer, levels rise to well above rationing triggers.”  

“I am sure this is welcome news to growers whose irrigation needs were ramping up.  The irony is that we don’t want too much water to fall as surface water flooding can cause different sorts of problems than drought, but both extremes can adversely affect farming operations.” 

The removal of the restrictions was effective immediately from the 4 February, 2022.  

Included are the restrictions applicable to domestic consumers connected to Council community supplies.(some being in Nelson)

Stage One rationing, meaning a cut in use by 20 percent of consented water take levels, will still apply to those in the Moutere Eastern Groundwater Zone. 

Dennis said, “that dry conditions are likely to return and continue through too April, so wise water use by everyone was encouraged.”  

The Council is also encouraging users in 88 Valley, Wakefield and Brightwater to be careful with water use following the recent rains as increased sediment will require the Council to use stored water not affected by silt. 

Monitoring will continue and restrictions will be reintroduced if flows and levels decline below the rationing triggers in the coming weeks.

The provisional rainfall (mm) for the first nine days of February in these locations in Tasman are as follows:

Murchison 174mm

Mokihinui 176mm

Aorere at Perry Saddle 618mm

Collingwood 279mm

Anatoki at Paradise 717mm

Takaka Aerodrome 502mm

Motupipi 402mm

Riwaka at Takaka Hill 233mm

Motueka at Woodmans 55.3mm

Mapua at Bowling Club 52mm

Moutere at Kellings Rd 49mm

Waimea at TDC Nursery 73mm

Richmond 104mm

Richmond Rangers. Photo R Therkleson

Pigeon Post News

Buller - State of Emergency - Second time in a Week

A State of Emergency has been declared for Buller on the West Coast at 9.45am by Buller mayor Jamie Cleine following further rain impacts on the district for the second time in a week.

Buller has declared a state of emergency following impacts from further weather last night and today.

Voluntary evacuations are recommended by the Buller Emergency Management but now at 2.30 on Thursday for some areas mandatory evacuation is in place for parts of Westport after the state of emergency was declared.

Some houses are becoming wet and all roads in and out of Buller are closed with slips or flooding.

The event, which was under forecast, in terms of intensity and impacts, has left the district isolated.

Buller Emergency Management is recommending that people self-evacuate and mandatory to evacuation centres and higher ground, as far as practicable, given the current road closures.

The Buller River is 11.4 metres high and running at 7 thousand cubic metres a second but authorities are concerned about the amount of water in the upper reaches of the river which still has to flow through the Buller River.

The peak of the water in the Buller River should reach Buller at about 6-7 tonight when there is a high tide.

"This event was not forecast to have the impacts it has had, but the Emergency response is in hand, and the Emergency Operations Centre is here to help those who cannot help themselves,” says Controller Bob Dickson.

“Due to our current isolation, we don’t currently have the additional resource present in the district as we had last week. We encourage people to help themselves, and their neighbours. Anyone who needs special assistance should contact the Emergency Operations Centre on 0800 234 533.”

Evacuation centres have been arranged again for residents.

Buller Emergency Management said “we know people are weary after last week and will be feeling anxious – the Community Hub is open for support. Staff and navigators will be there to have a chat and a cup of tea. This is not an evacuation site. You can also call the Emergency Operations Centre on 0800 234 533”  

Evacuation areas in Westport

West Coast DHB

Philip Wheble, Incident Controller of the West Coast DHB said “the West Coast DHB staff are preparing to evacuate Buller Health due to the impacts of the current weather event in the region.

Until then, Buller Medical remains open for urgent care. If you live north of Westport, we have staff in Karamea and Ngakawau. And if you are in Reefton, Reefton Health is open.

Please note, that all outpatient clinics, day surgery appointments and planned care appointments have been cancelled.

If you are registered with Coast Medical, they are still open.  

Pigeon Post News