Council teams respond to storm assistance requests

Far North District Council’s Incident Management Team (IMT) is now working through requests for assistance resulting from the weather event that hit the district this week.

Three Rapid Response Teams are out again in the field today and are focused on the key locations of Whirinaki, Wainui Valley and Waikare Valley. This follows assessments made yesterday by five teams in heavily affected areas around Rāwhiti and Waikare, along the east coast up to Whangaroa, and north and south Hokianga to Waimamaku.

Today teams are visiting marae that opened during the event to provide support to communities and whānau. Civil Defence Emergency Management is working with those marae to provide support. Its teams are also visiting affected dwellings with building inspectors to make sure that homes are safe and sanitary for residents.

Emergency food supplies were provided to an elderly couple today in Wainui Valley, north of Matauri Bay. The couple had no way to access shops and had immediate food needs. All other homes along Wainui Valley Road were assessed but did not require storm-related assistance.

Flood damage to a home on Waikare Valley Road will be inspected today. It was reported that the home was flooded during this week’s storm, forcing the family to take refuge at a local marae. Inspectors will also assess all other homes in the valley.

Staff from the IMT will be available over the weekend to respond to remaining or new requests for assistance.

To report slips, flooding or hazards please call the council’s 24-hour call centre on 0800 920 029.