Two people have been rescued from a partially submerged car in the Waimana River, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, this afternoon.
Police say the two occupants of the vehicle ignored warning signs and tried to drive through flood waters.
The pair managed to get out of their vehicle and were rescued by emergency services.
They have now been airlifted to Whakatane Hospital.
Whakatane Police say the roads between Opotiki and Whakatane and between Opotiki and Taneatua are both closed to all traffic due to flooding.
Motorists are asked to abide by the road closures and not try and get through the flooded roads.
Police say the rivers are still rising with run off from the hills.
Whakatane Police believe it will be some time before the flooding abates and roads are clear again.
Motorists returning north from Rhythm and Vines Concert in Gisborne are being encouraged to travel via Napier and then Taupo, rather than drive through the gorge to Opotiki where they will face long delays due to the road closures.
2 comments
idiots
Posted on 02-01-2012 08:44 | By whatsinaname
should of left them there. why do people have to think they are clever and ignore warning signs. they not only put them selves in danger but there rescurers as well......
WHY OSH IS BAD
Posted on 02-01-2012 12:48 | By WOFTAM
Silly people ignoring the warnings and signs get washed away down the river, OSH then is not needed as the system then become self monitouring.
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