Ruapehu Civil Defence is urging travellers to respect road closure signage after multiple reports of people driving through floodwaters and closed roads, which they say is hindering response efforts.
Civil Defence Controller, Clive Manley said more than 100 vehicles have been reported travelling through Ōhura despite road closures and unsafe conditions.
“Extensive slips mean that through roads are not open, and contrary to earlier reports, State Highway 43 (Forgotten World Highway) from Taumarunui is also currently closed,” Mr Manley said.
Travellers are being warned not to attempt to bypass closures and to wait for official updates.
“Road crews are working as quickly as possible to assess and reopen routes, at least to single-lane access where it is safe to do so,” he said.
“Drivers who ignore road closure signage may find they’ve taken a long detour for nothing and face a lengthy drive back. More concerningly, they may get themselves into serious trouble and require rescue, putting additional pressure on emergency services.”
Ruapehu District Council staff and the New Zealand Red Cross have now reached Ōhura and have begun welfare checks and assessments of critical infrastructure, including the drinking water treatment plant.
At this stage, the primary welfare requests from residents are for food parcels. A clearer picture of community needs will emerge as assessments continue, Mr Manley said.
Bottled water is now available at the Ōhura Memorial Hall welfare centre for residents who require it.
“Rural Support has reported that farmers are dealing with widespread slips across properties, causing damage to fencing and making it difficult to check on stock.”
Residents and travellers are strongly urged to:
- Obey all road closure signage and instructions;
- Avoid driving through floodwaters;
- Stay up to date through official Civil Defence and Council channels.
