Kiwifruit Growers Largely Escape Cyclone Vaianu Damage
The country's kiwifruit growers seem to have escaped much of the predicted wrath of Cyclone Vaianu which hit the east coast of the North Island this month.
The storm is anticipated to bring severe and potentially life-threatening and damaging weather across the North Island from late Saturday.
Councillor Emma Pike, joint committee chair of the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says that use of a Group-wide State of Emergency is rare for the area and reflects both the scale and possible impacts of the incoming event.
“This is a serious weather system expected to affect the entire Waikato CDEM Group Area, to varying degrees. Declaring a State of Emergency now allows us to act early, be as agile as possible, and proactively reduce the risk to our communities," Pike says.
“The declaration will enable a coordinated regional response and ensure resources can be deployed quickly to where they are needed most.”
Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring:
- Damaging winds, with gusts up to 120-140 km/hr, particularly in exposed and eastern areas
- Heavy rainfall leading to river and surface flooding
- Heavy wind and rainfall leading to a heightened risk of landslides
- Dangerous coastal conditions
The most significant impacts are expected from late Sunday morning through to mid-afternoon, with conditions beginning to deteriorate from approximately 10pm on Saturday onwards.
Emergency Operations Centres are activating across the region, and Civil Defence Centres are being prepared in all areas of the region.
"If you are worried about your safety, particularly if you live in an area that has been impacted by flooding or land-slips - please do not wait. Contact your local council now to discuss alternative accommodation options," Waikato CDEM group controller, Julian Snowball says.
Residents are urged to take action now while conditions remain safe. What you should do now:
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Clear drains and gutters
- Charge devices and prepare for power outages
- Check on neighbours, especially those who may need support
- If you feel that you're in an unsafe situation or would like to self-evacuate, get in touch with your local Council as soon as possible for guidance.
Plan to stay home on Sunday:
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Expect road closures and delays
- Prepare for the instance that emergency services may not be able to reach you quickly.
Be aware of flooding risks:
- Rivers may rise quickly due to saturated ground
- Never drive through floodwater
- Be ready to move if instructed.
Coastal areas:
- Stay well away from beaches and shorelines
- Large waves and storm surge are dangerous.
Residents are strongly encouraged to follow information from Waikato Civil Defence and their local councils and to be prepared for possible Emergency Mobile Alerts.
“We are asking people to take this seriously, prepare today, and look after themselves and their neighbours. Acting now will make a real difference,” Pike concludes.
