Evacuations, road closures amid heavy flooding in Plimmerton, north of Porirua

November 29, 2020

Locals are blaming the poor management of a key drain for today’s mess.

Several roads have been closed and more than a dozen houses have been evacuated after rain caused severe flooding in Plimmerton, north of Porirua.

The road between Paekākāriki and Plimmerton roundabout on State Highway 1 and Grays Road are now closed, the Porirua City Council said on Facebook this afternoon.

Meanwhile, there are slips on Paekākāriki Road, with crews currently working to keep the road open.

Fire services have since visited 65 properties affected by the flooding in Karehana Bay, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have set up a control truck on Moana Road to assist those affected, the council said.

Fire services have so far received 24 flooding-related calls this morning, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said in a tweet. 

Train services have been halted between Porirua and Paekākāriki after one train was badly damaged by flood debris on the rail lines, according to Metlink. The trains will be replaced by buses. 

Kiwirail is now working to clear the train units and obstructions on the track, which is expected to take all afternoon to complete. 

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Wellington has advised motorists to avoid flooded areas if possible, or to follow directions of emergency services on site.

Police are in attendance with traffic management, a police spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, drivers have been asked to take care on State Highway 1 Urban Motorway, Ngauranga Gorge and State Highway 2 Petone as rain may cause surface flooding.

"Slow down, increase your following distance, turn on your headlights and drive to the conditions," NZTA warned.

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