State of emergency still in place for West Coast as wild weather moves north

March 27, 2019

Officials are warning motorists to avoid all non-essential travel in the area.

A state of emergency remains in place for the Westland District as the wild weather moves north.

The Minister of Civil Defence Kris Faafoi arrived in Hokitika this morning and is visiting various locations throughout the day.

State Highway 6 from Hokitika to Makarora remains closed due to multiple slips along the road and the Waiho Bridge collapsing yesterday.

The Waiho Bridge at Franz Josef will be completely replaced. It is expected that work on this will start immediately.

The State Highway will be reinstated within 10 - 14 days.

Up to 100mm of rain per hour has fallen in the Westland Ranges over the past 24 hours and it's expected to clear by midday.

Breakfast weatherman Matty McLean has the latest forecast.

Seven people have been displaced from their homes in Waitoto, accommodation has been organised.

Simon Bastion from Civil Defence says 50 people are stranded in Haast and 450 tourists are stranded in Franz Josef.

A welfare centre at Haast has opened.

A Community Information Centre has also been opened at Hokitika iSite to assist with any displaced residents and tourists.

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Ritchies Bus Services have suspended all bus services today.

Power disruptions at Haast and inland from Hokitika are ongoing. Transpower are working to restore the power as soon as possible.

Fiber and phone lines south of Franz Josef have been disrupted, but Chorus are working to restore them.

Civil Defence West Coast and District Councils will be providing information throughout the day.

Breakfast reporter Maddy Lloyd has this update.

NZTA are advising drivers to check their website on road closures and delays.

Other road closures and updates include:

• SH6 Hokitika to Franz Josef– open one lane in places
• SH6 Franz Josef to Fox – closed 
• SH6 Fox to Haast – open one lane in places
• SH6 Haast to Makarora – open one lane in places
• SH73 Otira to Jacksons – closed 
• SH73 Jacksons to Kumara – open one lane in places
• SH6 Coast road is now open

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