A slip at West End in Ohope highlights the need for a precautionary approach to escarpment stability while the current rain-sodden soil conditions prevail, warns the Whakatane District Council.

'This incident saw a large tree slip onto an unoccupied house below it. A dangerous building notice has been issued for the property and the nearest neighbours have self-evacuated to ensure their safety,” says communications manager Ross Boreham.

Slips and flooding in Ohope today. Photos: Sam Clark.

The Whakatane District Council recommends people living in landslide-prone areas stay out of the parts of their homes which are nearest to escarpment faces.

'Residents should also check escarpment faces and if they are at all concerned about stability, self-evacuate to a safe location.

'Taneatua residents are asked to conserve water until further notice, while the town's reservoir is refilled. An electrical problem which affected pumping capacity this morning has now been resolved, but storage is still low.”

Flooding in Ohope has also seen the cancellation of the much anticipated Ohope Express.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council says the storms in the last few days have caused some issues around the Bay of Plenty, with the worst hit areas in Whakatane and the wider Eastern Bay.

Whakatane District:

A number of areas in Whakatane, Ohope and Coastlands have experienced surface flooding, power outages, and other issues. Several roads are currently closed due to flooding, slips and other hazards. The Whakatane Emergency Operations Centre was activated yesterday evening.

Some properties have been evacuation in the Alexander Ave/Douglas Street area.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council:

River levels are high around the region with ‘first warning' levels past last night but have since dropped away.

The Whakatane River at Valley Road has passed the first warning level and boats are being removed from their moorings on the river.

The Okere Gates are at their maximum setting (full open) and the Rotoiti lake level is falling slightly. The Gates are likely to remain open the rest of the weekend but will be reviewed regularly.

There are many power outages at pump stations for drainage schemes and power companies are working to restore power and Regional Council staff are also attending to pumps.