Cyclone Gabrielle

The Times-Age asked for an update on Cyclone Gabrielle response activity. The following response was provided, attributable to Local Controller Steven May:

Staff from the Council’s Building Control team travelled to Tinui yesterday to visit impacted homes.

A total of 10 homes were assessed, none of which are currently inhabited. In most, extensive cleaning work had already been completed and inner linings removed to facilitate the drying process.

This is the appropriate approach when a building has been affected by flooding.

Results of the house assessments are being considered.

The Council’s roading contractors are continuing to work hard to respond to slips and flooding debris on roads, with the closure of the Masterton Castlepoint Road between the Blairlogie Langdale turnoff and Tinui, from 8am-12 noon and 1-4pm, aimed at ensuring this continues as speedily and safely as possible.

Regular updates on road closures are provided on the Council’s website and the free Antenno app.

Road users are reminded that even on roads that are open, hazards remain, with the land still moving, creating the possibility of further slips.

Unnecessary travel should be avoided.

Council Community Development staff have been at Tinui this week to check on welfare needs and today are at Castlepoint. They have also today dropped PPE equipment from the Wairarapa Archive to people working in the Post & Telegraph building in Tinui who are handling flood-damaged heritage items.