Floods

Floods are the most common Civil Defence emergency in Otago. Our communities often experience flooding from rivers and streams. We can also get significant surface flooding after intense localised rain - for example in a thunderstorm. Flooding occurs at any time of the year. During major coastal storms, the sea can cause flooding of low-lying areas all along Otago's coast.

A bit about floods

Floods are the most common Civil Defence emergency in Otago. Our communities often experience flooding from rivers and streams, we can get significant surface flooding after intense localised rain - for example in a thunderstorm and flooding can occur at any time of the year.

During major coastal storms, the sea can cause flooding of low-lying areas all along Otago's coast.

The Otago Regional Council has a monitoring network that tracks rainfall and river flows from storms. The ORC flood management team also works closely with forecasters to predict and model the impact of rainfall. They send warnings to affected communities, the media, and local Councils to help those at risk. However as many waterways can flood in just an hour there may not always be time to issue a warning.

Flooding threatens lives, home and personal property and transport routes may be closed for extended times due to damage from floodwaters.

How should I prepare for a flood?

Assume that you may have to cope with a flood at some point.

Inform yourself about flood risks by contacting your local council, especially if you are new to the area.

Find out about any previous flooding and whether high water would be in your home if the worst recorded flood event happened again.

Consider building some form of storage that is protected from flooding.

If sandbagging your property is a viable way of stopping floodwaters entering your home or business, it's a good idea to learn how to do this before you need to do it for real. Click here to access a useful guide.

 

BEFORE a flood occurs

  • Keep your valuables, getaway kit, emergency clothing and food above what you judge to be the high-water mark
  • Know how to reach the nearest high ground and map out an evacuation plan with your family
  • Store weedkillers, insecticides, and other chemicals above your estimated high-water mark. Ensure all liquid chemicals and fuel containers have securely closed lids
  • Keep your insurance cover up-to-date

DURING a flood

  • Listen to your radio. Follow the advice and instructions of authorities
  • Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, medicines, and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater
  • If you have to leave home, take your getaway kit and emergency supplies with you. Turn electricity and gas off at the mains. Take your pets with you
  • If possible use your car to get to safe ground. It probably has a radio and you can keep some warm clothes and drinking water in it. It can provide temporary lighting and shelter if you can’t use your home

AFTER a flood

  • DO NOT go into any floodwaters alone or sightsee in those areas
  • DO NOT drink floodwater as it might be contaminated
  • DO NOT drive, cycle or walk in flood waters unless it is your only escape route — you never know what has been washed away underneath
  • Take photographs and notes for insurance purposes
  • EQC provides some cover for damage to property caused by flooding. Check here: 

Flood Warnings

The Otago Regional Council's Flood Manager is responsible for issuing flood warnings.  Flood warning alerts and information on Otago river and rainfall levels can be viewed on the Water Info site.

Other hazards