A swamped South Dunedin remains the key focus as authorities battle to clean up the aftermath of a one-in-100-year flood.
The Civil Defence Welfare Committee has set up a welfare centre at the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church at 393 King Edward Street.
Welfare and DCC staff are available there if people need advice or assistance.
Red Cross, Police and DCC staff are visiting the hardest hit areas in South Dunedin to check on residents and properties. People with concerns about their property are advised to call 03 477 4000.
Emergency services and the DCC are urging motorists to avoid flooded areas, unless they live or work there or are checking on family or friends. People driving around to look at flooding are causing problems as the cars create bow waves which are pushing floodwaters into properties.
Fire Service crews remain fully committed, especially with pumping activities in South Dunedin,.
The Southern District Health Board has set up an emergency operations centre (EOC) in response to flooding to co-ordinate support for staff and patients.
EOC Incident Controller Elaine Chisnall says DHB services have been unaffected by flooding, with business as usual in all areas. Patient clinics and surgery are proceeding as planned today.
Cut off by slips
Taiaroa Head and the surrounding area is cut off by slips, but it is hoped they will be cleared in several hours.
Dozens of slips, many of them on the Otago Peninsula are keeping Dunedin City Council staff and contractors very busy.
The DCC said it was a one in a 100 year flood, with about 175mm of rain falling in 24 hours (4am yesterday to 4am today). The one in a 100 year flood level is 120mm over 24 hours.
DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring said crews had been out again across Dunedin since daybreak clearing slips and dealing with flood related issues.
"We are working to clear slips blocking the Otago Peninsula beyond Doon Street to Macandrew Bay. Residents beyond Weir Road will not be able to get out due to slips. We are working as fast as possible to clear this. Our advice for anyone concerned about the situation should call 03 477 4000, or if it is an emergency call 111."
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Schools closed
Thousands of Dunedin children will have a day at home as schools close their doors due to flooding.
All primary and intermediate schools, and DKA Dunedin Kindergartens from Mosgiel to Port Chalmers to Waikouaiti are closed today, the Otago Primary Principals Association said.
Taieri College, Kings High School and Queens High School are also closed.
Otago Polytechnic's campus remains open.
