Auckland Emergency Management has been supporting the communities of east Auckland since the area experienced a tornado-like weather event around 9pm on Sunday night.
Group Controller, Mace Ward said today’s efforts have focussed on surveying the extent of the damaged caused by the tornado, coordinating building assessments and clean-up efforts.
“While the final number of properties affected last night is still being collated, it is clear that much of the damage is concentrated in a narrow strip, running from the Pakuranga Golf Club, southeast to Barry Curtis Park in Flat Bush,” he said.
There are two main areas of damage – a pocket in Golflands and a longer swath from the Greenmount Park area to Barry Curtis Park.
“Many property owners and residents will still have a clean-up effort in front of them so we ask people to avoid any unnecessary travel to the area,” said Mr Ward.
He said householders should take photographs of damage and contact their insurers before starting any clean-up work.
“Significant repair work, like roofing and structural repairs, should be carried out by accredited building contractors or suppliers and following approval by your insurers – this avoids issues that might arise in the future if you have used unauthorised contractors,” says Mr Ward.
Auckland Council building inspectors began assessing affected properties this morning, with Manager Field Surveying, Jeff Fahrensohn saying his 12 teams of inspectors carried out around 60 to 70 assessments.
“The majority of properties have been white placarded and around ten yellow placards have been issued,” he said.
“Occupants in the yellow placarded properties can remain in their homes but must avoid hazardous areas identified on the placard – in this case that is areas of the home affected by roof damage like loose or missing tiles.
“No red placards have been issued,” says Mr Fahrensohn.
Mr Fahrensohn says the building assessment process is largely complete. If your home was damaged during the tornado and you think it requires a building assessment, please contact the council on 09 301 0101.
