Responding to a flood

Flood Protection staff clearing debris from river banks after a flood

Greater Wellington Flood Protection has procedures for responding to situations when a flood might occur. We:

• provide flood warnings to the region s urban and rural communities using a network of rainfall and river-level recording stations
• closely monitor the information transmitted by the recording stations when heavy rainfall warnings are issued
• give advance warning to local authorities and landowners
• update incoming data every hour and adjustflood predictions accordingly.
• also provide response advice during flood events.

Our staff work around the clock to help unblock rivers, remove trees and other debris. They keep an eye on stopbanks and other flood protection structures in case they are damaged by the flood and need emergency repair work.

What should you do in a flood?

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be aware that a flood could occur.

• listen to local radio or television for news and advice
• stay indoors unless you are told to evacuate by the emergency services or Civil Defence
• have a family emergency plan
• place your valuable possessions up high
• avoid moving through floodwaters. Water levels can be much deeper than they appear. Only 60 cm of moving water can cause a car to be swept away and as little as 15 cm can cause unstable footing.

In a large flood you may need to look after yourself for at least three days. Make sure your home's emergency survival kit is well stocked.

During a flood event you can find out information:

• phone Greater Wellington on 04 384 5708 or 0800 496 734.
• phone the Hydroline, an information phone line on 08 322 0170 (calls cost 12 cents per minute).
• check rainfall figures, water levels and flow information on this webpage. Go to Environmental monitoring, find Rainfall and River flows, then click on the river you want information about.