Metservice has forecast heavy rain and severe gales for parts of northern and central New Zealand over the next two days, including parts of Gisborne where significant damage was caused by 200mm of rain falling in 24 hours a week ago.
“The second storm in a week is bringing more intense rainfall to Tolaga Bay and the surrounding area,” O’Connor said.
“The people in this area were just starting to clean up from the impact of the severe rainfall over Queen’s Birthday weekend.
“During last week’s storms the Hikuwai River rose three metres and passed flood warning levels within half an hour, worse than forecast and overnight, leaving farmers with little time to prepare.
“The area’s infrastructure, farmland and plantation forestry was significantly damaged with silt and forestry debris washing up over farmland and damaging bridges.
“People were evacuated to safety and stock including 350 ewes and several horses were reported as lost.”
Ministers, Ministry for Primary Industries officials and industry bodies are working closely with local civil defence, industry and community groups in parts of Gisborne.
“Getting farmers, their families, workers, animals and businesses safely through the next couple of days is paramount,” O’Connor said.
“When this storm passes, we are ready to focus on clean-up and recovery.”
Advice for farmers
-Take care of yourself, your family, your workers, your neighbours and your animals
-Ensure stock and domestic animals have food, clean water, shelter and are secure
-If you move stock during flooding update your NAIT records
-For advice or help call your industry body or local Rural Support Trust on 00 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254)
-In an emergency dial 111
