An extreme downpour has left Roxburgh without water, however power has now been restored as of this afternoon . Here is what you need to know about the situation in the town as authorities begin the clean up.
Power
Power has been restored to most of Roxburgh and Millers Flat with only a few people remaining without who will be supplied generators later today.
Power has been restored to all 186 customers affected in the northern part of Roxburgh except five customers who will be supplied by generator later today as a temporary measure. Permanent repairs including replacement of a transformer and pole will be made when ground conditions allow.
Power has been restored to all 121 customers affected in Millers Flat following a vehicle accident that damaged power poles.
The customers in Millers Flat were without power because two power poles were being replaced after a vehicular accident.
Aurora Energy said it was unknown when power would be restored, but warned it could be at any time so asked people to keep clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live.
Power has been restored to Millers Flat. Crews are aiming to have the parts of Roxburgh without power reconnected by late afternoon today. (Monday).
Road Closures
SH8 between Millers Flat and Roxburgh Hydro Dam remains closed overnight.
SH 8 has incurred damage both north and south of Roxburgh township with large volumes of debris. Crews are working on clearing these areas as quickly as possible.
There is a detour route in place which is signposted.
NZTA advised caution from roads from Raes Junction to Millers Flat and from Alexandra to the Roxburgh Dam.
Residents are requested to please limit travel in and around Roxburgh. This is important to allow contractors the best possible chance of a quick reinstatement of access.
As a result of dealing with this event there is an unusually large amount of trucks on road clearing debris – if driving in this area please take extra care.
Other roads around the Teviot have been inspected and there are no significant issues.
Drinking Water
No drinking water for Roxburgh township or Coal Creek residents.
Repairs are underway but residents should be aware it will be at least Wednesday before services are reinstated.
Lake Roxburgh Village are advised to continue to conserve water. With descent conservation happening the water supply should last another day. A water tanker will be located in the village by Tuesday as a precautionary measure.
Water tankers are in Roxburgh on the main street and on Roxburgh's fire station.
Safe Drinking Water - tankers are located in several locations in Roxburgh:
- Adjacent Roxburgh Fire Station
- Baptist Church – Cnr Paisley and Scotland Street
- Lake Roxburgh Village – tennis courts / hall will be in place by tomorrow morning at
Fresh Water tankers and portaloos have been put in place for residents to use until such time as full services are reinstated.
Portaloos
Portable toilets are now distributed around town and are located at:
Public Toilets on Scotland Street – opposite 103 The Store
CODC Service Centre – Scotland Street
King George Park -
Baptist Church – Cnr Paisley and Scotland Streets
Fire Station – Branxholme Street
Lake Roxburgh Village – the Hydro hall
Elderly Persons Flats – Leitholm Place
Additional locations will be confirmed later this evening.
Phones/Internet
Up to 200 households were experiencing issues with copper broadband or phone services, Chorus said earliert today. The incident was reported at 6.42pm last night and Chorus hope to restore it within 24 hours.
Phone systems are almost back to normal, however this may change without notice.
Landline customers should be back up and running. The two Spark mobile sites at Millers Flat and Tapanui are now operational.
Mobile service remains intermittent – Vodafone and spark are working to rectify.
Other information
Roxburgh Area School, which was damaged by flooding, is closed.
Council’s building inspectors have undertaken an initial assessment of evacuated properties and vulnerable residents are being assisted based on their needs.
It is important to maintain a high level of hygiene practices during this period. It is essential to use safe drinking water for all drinking and cooking. Make sure that you regularly wash hands this is particularly important for children and vulnerable people.
If walking in the town people should wear closed footwear – as there is significant flood debris around.
Welfare is being provided from the CODC service centre in Roxburgh. Either call 03 446 8105 or drop in.
Roxburgh Area School will remain closed on Tuesday.
Increased police presence will remain at Roxburgh and Millers Flat.
Any flood debris on individual properties should be piled towards the front of the property for pick up in due course. Please do not put this rubbish, including sludge mud and silt down the stormwater network.
Insurance
If people have incurred any damage to property they should be in touch with their insurers.
Weather Forecast
Met Service have advised that there is a low risk of any further thunderstorms today.
There is a higher risk of more thunderstorms tomorrow, therefore residents are encouraged to have a bag and be prepared to evacuate if asked to do so.
Central Otago District Council Response
Crews are working on repairing damaged infrastructure – water / wastewater and roads.
Council staff and elected members have visited residents in Elderly Persons Housing, the rest home and other vulnerable residents including Millers Flat.
