Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said yesterday while the immediate emergency had passed, ‘‘for many people the impact of this event will continue for some time’’.
Heavy rain caused flooding in the district on Monday and again on Wednesday after further downpours.
Residents were flooded out of their homes, state highways closed with cars written off and businesses forced to close.
Mrs Tavendale agreed to lift the state of emergency just before noon yesterday after the ‘‘immediate risk to public safety’’ had reduced, a Waitaki District Council release said.
The ‘‘recovery transition period’’ will remain in force for 28 days, but could be ended sooner.
During the transitional period, ‘‘recovery managers’’ will have access to powers allowing them to close roads and public places, undertake works to stabilise land and properties, remove or secure dangerous structures and enter a property to rescue people or save lives.
The emergency operations centre will remain active but its responsibilities will ‘‘increasingly’’ transition back to the council’s operational teams in the coming days.
‘‘Our focus now is on helping people recover, restoring services and supporting those whose homes, businesses and livelihoods have been affected,’’ Mrs Tavendale said.
The mayor praised the community’s response to the flooding.
Contractors worked around the clock in ‘‘incredibly challenging conditions’’ to keep roads open.
Many council staff worked long hours ‘‘while also dealing with flooding and disruption at their own homes and supporting their own families’’.
‘‘To Fire and Emergency New Zealand, local fire brigades, police, Hato Hone St John, Civil Defence volunteers, utility providers, partner agencies, local businesses and community groups who provided food, equipment and other support — thank you.
‘‘This response showed what can be achieved when an entire community works together.
‘‘We saw neighbours helping neighbours, businesses supporting one another and countless acts of kindness that reminded us what makes Waitaki such a special place.’’
The lifting of the state of emergency came as residents and businesses on the Oamaru water supply were urged by authorities to conserve water.
Heavy rainfall had affected the quality of water supplying the North Otago town and the treatment plant had been unable to produce water for the past three days, meaning properties could be running low, the council said.
‘‘Water remains safe to drink but to help maintain a reliable water supply while our treatment plant catches up, we are asking everyone to minimise non-essential water use.’’
Water may also appear dirtier than usual.
