Slip warning with more rain to come

People living near the escarpments in Whakatāne, Ōhope and Matatā are being warned to pay close attention to weather conditions over the weekend.

With an estimated 100mm of rain having fallen on Wednesday/Thursday and further heavy falls predicted from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, Whakatane District Council Civil Defence controller Paula Chapman says landslides from the escarpments may become a public safety concern.


People are being warned to keep their eyes peeled for any sign of landslides in the Bay.

'We know from experience that prolonged heavy rain falling on already sodden soil can result in conditions which pose a landslide risk to people in close proximity to the escarpments.

'People who may be exposed to a landslide hazard are advised to monitor the weather conditions carefully and look for any signs of instability in the escarpment face. If concerned, the appropriate precautionary approach would be to stay out of rooms on the escarpment side of homes, or self-evacuate until conditions improve.”

If any indications of escarpment instability (such as soil or tree root movement) are observed, Emergency Services and/or the Council should be notified immediately.

The Council's 24-hour phone service can be contacted on 306 0500.

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