Wild weather claims lives
The Defence Force has been called in to help flood-devastated areas after flooding caused by record rainfall that began on Friday that left at least four people dead. In a press briefing on Tuesday morning, Auckland Emergency Management deputy controller Rachel Kelleher said resources were focused on getting roads and drains clear, removing fallen trees, and reinstating water supply in affected areas and helping with the clean-up.
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has been criticised for not signing a state of emergency declaration for Auckland until late on Friday night, after a lot of the damage was already done.
It has been confirmed that four people lost their lives to the flooding: two in Wairau Valley, one in Remuera and one in Onewhero.
At least 5000 Auckland properties are being assessed for flood or landslide damage, and more than 200 homes and buildings have been red stickered, Auckland Emergency Management said.
On Monday, the Ministry of Education announced that all schools and kura in Auckland must close until February 7. Parents were disappointed to hear of this decision through media reports, rather than directly from the ministry.
Flight delays have continued at Auckland Airport, following the international airport taking on a large amount of water during the heavy downpour on Friday evening.
These delays were exacerbated by a plane dramatic plane landing, after an Air New Zealand Boeing 777 lost control during wind gusts and torrential rain, damaging the plane’s undercarriage and six runway lights.
Many roads remain closed and public transport services have been either cancelled or delayed as the city continues the cleanup from the flooding.
‘MEDIA DRONGOS’
Meanwhile, Brown texted his friends that he couldn’t play tennis over the weekend because he had to ‘‘deal with media drongos over the flooding’’, it’s been reported.
The text has come to light following increasing criticism of the mayor’s response to unprecedented flooding on Friday that destroyed homes and resulted in four deaths. The New Zealand Herald obtained a message Brown sent to his friends in a WhatsApp group, called Grumpy Old Men. The group plays games on Fridays and Sundays at the West End Lawn Tennis Club.