A state of emergency has been declared in Southland, New Zealand due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding. The situation has been exacerbated by the failure of a water treatment plant in the remote town of Tuatapere, leaving residents with only eight hours of drinking water.
The Southland District Council is dispatching three water tankers to Tuatapere to provide assistance until the treatment plant can be restored. Residents have been urged to conserve water immediately by refraining from taking showers, washing dishes, or flushing toilets.
The declaration of a state of emergency was prompted by ongoing heavy rain, with MetService extending its heavy rain warning until 8 pm. The situation is particularly critical in the Otautau community, where river levels are expected to rise significantly, potentially reaching bridge height. Main Street in Otautau has been closed, and efforts are underway to reinforce the stop bank infrastructure with bulk filling on both sides of the bridge. Surface flooding is reported across various roads in Southland, and there is concern about potential contamination.
Southland, New Zealand Declares State of Emergency
![Southland, New Zealand Declares State of Emergency](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/skynews-new-zealand-cyclone-gabrielle_6056544-convert.io_-1024x576.webp)
Residents have been strongly advised to avoid contact with floodwaters, as wastewater and stormwater systems in several Southland towns are struggling to manage the excessive water volume. Additionally, people are encouraged to stay at home and avoid using the roads.
Community emergency hubs have been set up at the Croydon Lodge in Gore and the Mataura Community Centre to provide assistance to those in need. River peaks are expected overnight and into the following morning, and it will take time for surface water to subside, according to Civil Defense authorities.
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