Dunedin has lifted its state of emergency two days after heavy rain saturated the city causing flooding, slips, and the evacuation of residents.
A state of emergency was declared in Dunedin and Clutha on Friday as more than twice the usual monthly October rainfall drenched east Otago in 40 hours.
Flooding and slips effectively cut off Dunedin from the state highway network and locals were urged to conserve water and stay off the roads.
Forty-four properties have now been inspected across Dunedin, with eleven being red-stickered, meaning they are unsafe to occupy.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the declaration will be lifted from 4pm.
“I want to thank everyone across our city for their calm and resilient response to the challenges this weather event has thrown at us in recent days.
“I also want to thank our staff, contractors, first responders and volunteers who have gone above and beyond – in many cases working through the night in terrible weather – to help our community.
“Dunedin is a special place full of wonderful people, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s efforts during this difficult time.”
A state of emergency was declared in Dunedin and Clutha on Friday as more than twice the usual monthly October rainfall drenched east Otago over 40 hours. (Source: 1News)
Civil Defence controller Rob West said the city was now moving into a recovery phase with a focus on reopening roads, clearing slips, reinstating water supply and helping community members.
Multiple roads remain closed around Dunedin, with State Highway 88 to Port Chalmers is due to reopen at 6am on Monday.
Dunedin City Council said staff and contractors are working to install a temporary pipeline to reconnect the West Harbour to city water supplies.
At the moment, it is being supplied from a reservoir at Port Chalmers as an interim measure.
A precautionary boil water notice remains in force for the West Harbour from Ravensbourne to Deborah Bay. Residents have also been asked to conserve water, as have residents on Otago Peninsula.
Sandbags can be returned to the Ice Stadium in South Dunedin as well as other collection points in Mosgiel and Middlemarch, a council statement said.
“If people are unable to return them, sandbags can also be left on verges and they will be collected from early next week.”
Dunedin’s Emergency Operations Centre will also close as the focus shifts to recovery.
