Flooding is the most common hazard in New Zealand in terms of frequency, losses and declared emergencies.
Floods are usually caused by heavy rain and can cause injury and loss of life, and damage to property, land, and infrastructure.
Get ready for flooding
Three easy things you can do right now to get ready for flooding:
- Check if you are in a flood zone.
- Think of a place you could go if you had to evacuate – it could be with family or friends who don’t live in a flood-prone area.
- Regularly clear your gutters and drains, especially during the rainy months.
- Contact your district council if your LIM report for your home or business indicates a risk from flooding.
- Check your insurance cover for your home and contents.
- Know how to turn off your water, power, and gas.
- Make an Emergency Plan with your household. Have grab bags ready to go in case you have to get out quickly. Plan an escape route from your home.
- Make copies of all your important documents and upload them to a cloud service.
- Think about what to do with your pets and livestock if you have to evacuate.
- Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
- Floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Stay informed. Listen to the radio and follow official advice from emergency management and emergency services online.
- Stay at home unless you are told to evacuate.
- Stay out of flood water – flood water is dangerous and contaminated.
- Do not drive through flood water.
When floodwaters get close to your home:
- Disconnect electrical appliances and move valuables, clothing, food, and chemicals above the likely reach of floodwater.
- Turn off the power and gas if told to do so by authorities as it can help prevent damage to your home or community
- Fill bathtubs, sinks and storage containers with clean water in case the water supply becomes contaminated.
- Bring pets inside. On farms, move stock to higher ground.
- Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
- Only return home after Emergency Management and emergency services have given all clear.
- Stay away from flooded areas – flood water is highly contaminated
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
- Throw away all food that has come into contact with flood water. Do not use packaged or canned food if it has been punctured or dented, is bulging, leaking, or become unsealed.
- Follow advice from your local council and Emergency Management about water boil notices.
- When cleaning up your home: throw away anything wet and can’t be cleaned. Disinfect pots and pans in boiling water. Wear gloves, sturdy footwear, and a mask. Stay out of flood waters.
Learn more about the other hazards facing Taranaki, and how you can be prepared.
Flooding in Taranaki
A combination of climatic and topographical factors means the Taranaki region is prone to high rainfall and subsequent flooding.
Surface flooding is not unusual in Taranaki during heavy rainfall, though significant flood events have been recorded in Taranaki’s history.
Taranaki has over 530 named rivers and streams. The big three (Waitara, Waitotara and Waiwhakaiho) have all flooded in the past.
The three big rivers have vastly improved flood protection, but any river has the potential to flood.
If you live in Waitara, the lower Waiwhakaiho in New Plymouth, Ōkato, Opunake or Waitōtara, then you are within one of the Taranaki Regional Council’s flood control schemes.
Flooding can also occur when natural and built drainage systems are overloaded, particularly in urban areas, by prolonged heavy rain, coastal inundations, and even tsunami.