It is with heavy hearts that we turn to Auckland's struggle with flash flooding they've experienced over the weekend. It feels as though we are only just recovering from the floods in Australia last year and yet another tumultuous rain season has set in, leaving many homes without power or water, 350 people in need of emergency accommodation and four dead.
Record heavy rainfall hit New Zealand's north island from Friday to Sunday, causing landslides, flash floods and knocking out roads. Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, of 1.6 million people has been hit hard, receiving 40 per cent of its usual January rainfall in an hour. The city remains in a state of emergency. A person who was reported missing has now been confirmed dead.
As climate change continues to cause horrific weather conditions, the nation's weather forecaster MetService warns of more severe weather to come. So, what can you do from near or far? We have some suggestions on how you can support people experiencing the fallout from the Auckland floods during this time.
What caused the Auckland floods?
The torrential rain came about due to a storm in the north Tasman Sea linked to a source of moisture from the tropics. This is called an 'atmospheric river.'
The storm moved slowly as was cradled to the south by a huge anticyclone that stopped it from moving quickly across the country. Severe thunderstorms developed over Auckland which delivered extremely heavy rainfalls. The warming climate is a contributing factor to the amount of vapour in the air
Evacuation centres
Three Civil Defence Centres are open for anyone who needs a safe place to go to.
- In Kelston at Saint Leonard's Road School, 15 Leonard's Road
- In Randwick Park, at Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive
- In Albany, at the Massey University Albany East Precinct. Enter at Gate 1/Main Entrance off the Albany Expressway SH17. The centre is set up in the Sir Neil Waters Theatre
Helpline
- If you are in an emergency or feel unsafe, call 111.
- A helpline has been set up by Auckland Emergency Management for anyone who needs accommodation: 0800 22 22 00.
- Seek welfare assistance by phoning the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.
Civil Defence Centres
Civil Defence Centres have been set up for Aucklanders that were forced to evacuate their homes.
These centres are in the west, north and south at:
- West: St Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Rd, Kelston
- North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
- South: Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Dr, Randwick Park
- A fourth centre has opened at Mangere Memorial Hall from 11am-3pm.
- Those needing to go to the centres should bring with them any essential items such as medication, warm clothing and baby items.
Donations
If you would like to donate to people in need, we have some places accepting donations:
- A flood response fund has been set up by the mission. Both Vodafone and Te Rourou, Vodafone Aotearoa Foundation will match donations up to $35,000 each. So, for every $10 donated, $30 will go to help those affected, up to $105,000.
Wesley Primary School
- Looking for donations: Non perishable food, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bodywash, Pillows, blankets. Cleaning supplies; household disinfectant (in particular need of these) gloves
- Donate to the Acts of Roskill Kindness bank account: 38-9020-0719144-05
Manukau Urban Māori Authority food bank
- Accepting donations, particularly of mops, buckets, towels, cleaning products, clothing and bedding.
- Donate money directly to 12-3076-0574645-00
- accepting food parcels
- Email [email protected] with your address, phone, email etc to request a parcel
