Friday, November 8, 2024

Auckland state of emergency extended

Auckland Mayor, Wayne Brown, has today extended the local state of emergency for the Auckland region for a further seven days.

The Mayor said the extension is necessary because Auckland remains in the response phase with new damage and risks to the public continuing to be reported, meaning access to emergency powers is still required. 

“This significant event continues to require a coordinated response alongside our partner agencies given the scale and widespread nature of the emergency,” he said.

The Mayor also said the state of emergency could be terminated early if circumstances permit.

Here are Auckland Emergency Management’s latest operational updates as the response continues.

Be prepared 

  • Make sure you stay informed. Keep updated on the weather forecast at www.metservice.com/warnings 
  • Avoid unnecessary travel. Check road conditions if you do have to travel 
  • Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. Act immediately if you see rising water – do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from flood water.
  • Check www.aem.org.nz for updates and information. Listen to emergency services and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.
  • If life is in danger, call 111 immediately.

Transport 

  • Please move safely around the Auckland local transport network this weekend.
  • There are 29 road closures and multiple slips across the region which is affecting some Metro services and driving conditions.
  • We’ve had between 400 and 500 maintenance staff working on our network every day, with hundreds more on standby.
  • We have reopened more than 60 roads since Friday.
  • To keep up to date, please visit at.govt.nz/weatherwatch – you’ll find all road closures there along with updated public transport information.

Welfare 

Council’s Welfare and Logistics teams are continuing to work as quickly as possible to conduct needs assessments and get those displaced into accommodation. There are three Civil Defence Centres open at Randwick Park, Albany and Henderson.   

The Kelston centre has now transitioned to the Bruce McLaren Community Centre at HubWest, 27 Corban Avenue, Henderson.     

Council’s five Community Support Hubs also remain open. These are: 

  • Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre in Mascot Ave, Mangere (24 hours) 
  • Te Manawa, 11 Kohuhu Lane, Westgate (9am-5pm) 
  • New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn (9am – 5pm) 
  • Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings (9am-5pm) 
  • Birkenhead Leisure Centre, 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead (9am-5pm)  

If you need any support and assistance – please call 0800 22 22 00. 

Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund

The Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund supports people who are experiencing hardship due to the flooding and need urgent financial assistance. 

Applications to the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund can be made online. People can call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 during business hours for assistance to complete applications forms.

Waste 

  • To help with the clean-up council now has 15 locations around the region where people can drop off their storm-related debris.  
  • If you want to take your waste to one of these stations, please phone Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00 to confirm your visit.  
  • For uninsured people the drop off is free. 
  • The first step for insured people who want to dispose of storm related waste is to contact their insurer and they will advise the next steps as policies do differ. 

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