Red rain warnings affecting parts of the North Island have been lifted, while local states of emergency remain in place in five regions due to the severe weather.
This was the 20th Red Warning Event issued by MetService since the highest alert level was introduced back in May 2019. Whitianga and Tauranga experienced their wettest days on record yesterday, with 247.6 mm and 274 mm of rain, respectively.
The SMC asked experts to comment.
James Renwick, Professor of Climate Science, Victoria University of Wellington, comments:
“It seems that these days, every storm brings with it orange or red flood warnings and devastation and misery somewhere in the country. Sadly, this is exactly what we expect with a warmer climate that has more moisture in the air. We have that much more flooding ‘fuel’ in the atmosphere that significant floods come much more readily now.
“To stop such events becoming worse, to stop them overwhelming our abilities to adapt, we must stop adding carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the air. Our government and business leaders must find ways to decarbonise our economy as soon as physically possible – and help other countries do the same.”
Conflict of interest statement: “I have received, over many years, funding from the New Zealand Government for climate change research, through MBIE grants and the Marsden Fund.”
Dr Lucy Telfar Barnard, Senior Research Fellow, He Kāinga Oranga Housing and Health Research Programme, comments:
“It’s important tenants know that if their home is flooded to the point it is uninhabitable, they can give their landlord 2 days’ notice – but also, the landlord can give them 7 days’ notice.
“Also, it’s important in built-up areas or near housing or ablution facilities that people treat flood waters as potentially contaminated with sewage. Stay out of the floodwater if you can, and make sure to wear gloves – and potentially masks – when cleaning up afterwards, indoors or out. It’s also important to clean and dry the property as soon as you can after the flooding has passed, to reduce the likelihood of mould growth”.
Conflict of interest statement: “None.”
Lauren Vinnell, Senior Lecturer of Emergency Management, Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, comments:
“Firstly, my thoughts are with those impacted by the recent severe weather, including those affected by the landslide in Mount Maunganui. This awful event shows the importance of continued work into understanding and preparing for landslides. Landslides are common across New Zealand but can happen quickly and cause considerable damage. Sometimes there are warning signs, like small rocks falling, cracks or bulges in the ground, or doors or windows becoming hard to close or open because the frames have moved. Keep an eye out for these, especially during rain and after earthquakes, and if you feel unsafe then take action.”
Conflict of interest statement: “I am part-funded by the Hōretireti Whenua Sliding Lands Endeavour programme”