Ōpōtiki Cut Off as Flooding Swamps Bay of Plenty Roads
Person Rescued from Rising Waters Amid Widespread Disruption
Access to Ōpōtiki in the Bay of Plenty region has been completely severed due to extensive flooding and numerous road closures, prompting an emergency response from the Whakatāne District Council.
Emergency Operations Center Activated
The Whakatāne District Council has launched its Emergency Operations Centre to manage the escalating situation. The severe weather has led to significant disruption, with State Highway 2 closed between Taneatua and Paerata Ridge Road east of Waiotahe Cliffs.
A rescue operation was successfully carried out after a person drove into floodwaters in Ōpōtiki. Fire and Emergency (FENZ) staff were dispatched at 3pm and successfully extricated the individual, who was found stranded on the roof of their submerged vehicle.
Widespread Road Closures Hamper Travel
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) confirmed that multiple local road closures, in addition to the State Highway 2 closure, mean there is currently no viable route between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki. Residents are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel in the affected areas due to expected significant delays and disruptions.
Wainui Road is reported to be submerged, with surface flooding in excess of 200mm. Local Duty Controller **Nicholas Woodley** highlighted the uncertainty of reopening times, stating, “Conditions remain changeable, and river levels are still rising.” He acknowledged the significant impact on communities, particularly those unable to return home.
Weather System Impact Continues
The adverse weather follows a period of intense rain across the country over the past two days. While many weather alerts have been cancelled as a front moves east, the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula continue to experience heavy rain. The Coromandel ranges received approximately 175mm, with lower-lying areas like Whangamatā recording 170mm.
MetService head of weather news **Heather Keats** noted the clearing trend, but emphasized the ongoing impact on the Bay of Plenty. Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is receiving numerous reports of localized flooding as the downpour persists.
Earlier in the week, State Highway 30 between Tikitere and State Highway 34 was temporarily closed due to multiple slips but has since been reopened under stop/go traffic management. NZTA is urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, increase following distances, and be vigilant for surface flooding, slips, and debris, strictly advising against driving through floodwaters.
The impact of this weather event mirrors recent patterns, with a study by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in 2023 indicating a trend of more frequent and intense heavy rainfall events in New Zealand due to climate change (NIWA, 2023).
Driving Advice
NZTA is strongly advising motorists to exercise extreme caution in the affected areas. Drivers should reduce their speed, maintain increased following distances, and adjust their driving to suit the conditions. Avoiding driving through floodwaters remains a critical safety message.
