Mataura Residents Return Home

Mataura was reopened to residents at 6.00pm tonight.

There is still some areas of surface flooding. The worst affected areas are:

• Main Street between the Caltex service station and Tullochs Transport,
• Oakland Street between Tulloch Park and Burns Street
• Bangor Street
• Bristol Street
• Carteret Street
• Dover Street
• Carlyle Street
• McConnell Street.

There is also some localised ponding in Scott and Burns streets.

Some houses have had power disconnected, a letter has been left to advise the homeowner

There may be a number of properties that are inundated or un-inhabitable. These are properties without water, a flushing toilet, or excessive dampness that could cause respiratory issues.

People who need assistance or advice should go to the Mataura community centre, in McQueen Avenue, where a community support centre is being set up.

There will be staff from the Council and Emergency Management Southland, and other agencies at the centre.

There will be basic necessities available for those who need them.

There is a boil water notice in place for the town.

There will be a water tanker at the centre, from 8.00pm, and port-a-loos.

People are asked to drive carefully through any surface flooding to minimise water going into properties.

State Highway 1 is open through the town – a 30kph restriction will be in force. Debris may still be on roads around the town. Be careful and think of others.

For an update on situation for Gore and Mataura.