State of Emergency declared for Clutha

State of Emergency declared for Clutha

A State of Emergency has been declared for the Clutha District.

The declaration is due to the extensive damage that has been caused by the red alert winds yesterday and ongoing power outages in our communities. This has caused an overwhelming of our services in the Clutha District.

Water and wastewater services are overwhelmed. Many of our water and wastewater plants remain without power. A district-wide conserve notice is in place. Please be vigilant, conserve water, and avoid flushing unless you need to.

Many of our farming communities are isolated, due to power and communication outages with large amounts of damage throughout the district.

It is likely this will continue into the weekend. If you are without power or water, we are recommending that residents make the most of the long weekend and get out of town, if you have relatives or friends you can stay with.

You can call us on 0800 801 350. If it is an emergency, call 111. Clutha Health First is operating for those that need medical care or attention.

A community-led drop in centre has been set up in the Tyrone Lounge of the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha. This will be open until 7pm tonight. Power and wifi is available, as well as refreshments.

Council’s website and Facebook page will be kept up to date as and when required to keep our communities informed. We are also sending out Antenno alerts.

We are aware that there are several communities that are isolated, due to power outages and no communications. If you have no cell or internet signal, please listen to the radio. We have been keeping local radio stations More FM (92.9FM and 93.7 FM) and Hokonui (West Otago 95.2 FM, South Otago 91.3 FM or 88.3 FM) who are putting out information on behalf of Council.