Ohura Response Ongoing Following Overnight Peak
Ruapehu District Council Civil Defence is continuing its response to significant flooding in Ōhura, following overnight river levels that inundated parts of the township.
Deputy Chair of the Taumarunui-Ōhura Ward Committee, Sophie Stockbridge, reported that the Mangaroa Stream, part of the Ōhura River catchment, reached 7.3 metres overnight.
At its peak, floodwaters reached chest height in several streets, surrounding a number of houses and the local school, and inundating multiple vehicles. One vehicle has been reported lost due to flooding.
Evacuations took place between midnight and 3.00am, with 18 tourists currently being cared for at the Ōhura Memorial Hall welfare centre. All local residents are reported to be safe.
The tourist vehicles remain trapped by floodwaters, and arrangements are being made to secure overnight accommodation for those affected should access not be restored by tonight.
Ruapehu Civil Defence Controller said that the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Taumarunui is in close contact with Civil Defence personnel on the ground in Ōhura and is coordinating support.
“The priority at this stage is restoring access into Ōhura, with floodwaters and slips currently affecting local roads,” they said.
Teams, including the New Zealand Red Cross, are on standby in Taumarunui ready to deploy supplies and resources such as bedding as soon as it is safe to enter the township. Roading contractors are actively assessing damage and access routes.
A flyover is scheduled shortly to provide a clearer picture of the situation on the ground.
Minister for Emergency Management, Mark Mitchell, is travelling to Taumarunui to assess the situation first-hand and has confirmed that all necessary Government support will be made available.
Council is working alongside regional Civil Defence and partner agencies including Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Police, the New Zealand Red Cross, and local iwi.
Essential services remain operational, with cellular networks still functioning and water supply available from the Ōhura reservoir. However, wastewater systems, which rely on septic tanks, have been impacted by flooding. Plans are in place to pump these systems out once access for contractors is restored.
Reports from surrounding townships, including Tokirima and Matiere, indicate no significant issues.
Residents requiring assistance are advised to contact Council on 07 895 8188.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 111.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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