Kia ora,
A brief update this evening from Jo Millar, CEO Hutt City.
- A state of emergency has been declared for the Wellington region due to the significant rain event.
- The MetService has issued a Red weather warning.
- Our Emergency Operations Centre is activated.
- Keep in touch with the latest updates on our website here and social media channels.
- Our facilities will continue to be closed tomorrow (Tuesday 21 April) based on the latest forecasts. We will reassess mid-morning and let everyone know the plan. Please stay in touch with your people leader if you need to check in on work arrangements.
- These hubs will remain open overnight until the danger passes and to help with any evacuations and welfare that people may need:
- Eastbourne Neighbourhood Hub
- Kōraunui Stokes Valley Neighbourhood Hub
- Wainuiomata Neighbourhood Hub
- Walter Nash Centre (Taita)
- War Memorial Library.
- Emergency management key messages
People are advised to:
- Move out of low‑lying and flood‑prone areas for the next 24 hours. Flood-prone areas are those that have experienced multiple flooding events in recent years.
- Stay inside if their home is safe and avoid non‑essential travel.
- Never walk, swim or drive through flood water.
- Evacuate immediately to higher ground if flood waters rise.
- People should never wait for an alert if they feel in danger.
- Clear drains and gutters if safe to do so.
- Check on neighbours and those who may need assistance, if safe.
An enormous thank you to our volunteers and everyone who is working hard to support our council and the wider emergency response. A particular thank you to our people who went door knocking this afternoon in flood prone/at risk parts of our city. Your mahi is appreciated!
Stay safe and take care.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jo