Media Advisory: Heavy rainfall overnight leads to extensive surface flooding and further slips

Overnight we saw extensive surface flooding, recording up to 60mm of rain in the north.

We received 148 requests for flood-related issues, two of which were to do with house flooding. FENZ had 30 call outs overnight and there were a number of landslips recorded including a significant one in Titirangi, which damaged a car port. There are road closures as a result of the landslips.

An Emergency Mobile Alert ‘text’ was sent to mobile phones across Auckland last night. This was done due to the potential effects from a heavy rain and thunderstorm warning over the Auckland area.

Heavy rain warning

This morning, Metservice issued an updated Heavy Rain Warning, extending the Orange warning for Auckland and Great Barrier Island to 9.00am. Periods of heavy rain are also forecast for Tuesday. This has the potential for more disruption in the days ahead, on top of already saturated ground.

If rain rates of this intensity occur, further localised flooding and slip impacts are expected.

Check Auckland Emergency Management Facebook for regular updates.

Transport

If you need to travel: plan ahead. Check public transport options before you travel and expect longer journey times on the roads and public transport. For the latest information on road closures and public transport please check the AT website – at.govt.nz/weatherwatch

The domestic terminal at the airport is operating as usual. The international terminal is operating manually due to IT and other equipment damage. Please only go to the international terminal if you have a flight.

Property
From the inspections made so far, 40 red placards, 151 yellow placards, and 366 white placards have been issued. These are located across the city and are a mixture of flooding and slip-related damage.

To report landslips, please call 09 301 0101.

Water

Water will be released from the Lower Nihotupu and Lower Huia dams this morning (Monday) to help improve water quality in the lakes.

Two water treatment plants are offline at Pukekohe and Helensville. This has no customer impact. Helensville will be up and running soon, and Pukekohe will be reassessed in the next two days. 

Sandbags have been placed around the booster pump station in New Lynn to push water north and protect it from flooding.

Wastewater network update

Our wastewater networks and treatment plants have been overwhelmed by stormwater, causing numerous overflows across Auckland.

Ten pump stations were flooded. Six are up and running again, one is partially operating and three are offline (two on North Shore; one in Westmere). Due to pump and electrical damage it will take at least a week for the pump stations to return to full operation.

We encourage people to stay away from beaches and waterways, as there is the potential for wastewater contamination.

Check the Safeswim website for beach water quality, including beaches with potential pollution issues.

Waste disposal

The disposal of waste is a growing issue and work is underway in Auckland Council to assist those that are unable to dispose of it themselves. Please call 0800 22 22 00 if you need advice on how to dispose storm debris.

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.

  • To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
  • To report slips on private land contact the landowner, or if you are the landowner, your insurance company.
  • For landslips that might affect public land, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553.
  • If your life is at risk, phone 111.
  • If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
  • For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.

Civil Defence Centres

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

  • West: Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston
  • North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
  • South: Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.

Community info hub

A pop-up community and agency information hub will be open at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge through to Friday 8am – 8pm.

Community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.

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