Clearing debris from roads, restoring power to Tairua and Pāuanui and supporting the welfare of residents have been the focuses for Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) today after Cyclone Gabrielle.
Council said roading contractors were working hard to clear slips and debris from roads but slips were continuing to occur.
“Waka Kotahi contractor Higgins is working on clearing SH25 on the Thames Coast for essential commercial vehicles,” council said.
“Please don’t head out on the roads just to have a look as this can hinder clearance crews and trucks from being able to do their work unimpeded.”
Council said the Defence Force was assisting Fire and Emergency NZ and its Urban Search and Rescue team to check for hazards and map any land instability.
Council said it was “urgently” working with Powerco and other agencies to restore power to Tairua and Pāuanui.
“We have generators in place at our water treatment plants there, and water levels in reservoirs and water pressure in the community will improve over the day.”
Council said its welfare team was distributing kai packs to isolated communities with the help of emergency services who can deliver safely to support food banks.
“With several people throughout the Coromandel still displaced by the cyclone, our welfare team is ensuring accommodation, food and wider needs are being met,” council said.
“This may be an ongoing task for the team well into next week.”
For welfare needs visit: heretohelpu.nz or contact 0800 568 273.
For the latest information about TCDC services, storm response facilities and other news visit tcdc.govt.nz/response. Visit TCDC’s social media for important updates.
