Auckland declares state of local emergency amid flooding
Auckland, The Gulf Observer: Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has declared a state of emergency in the Auckland region. Brown made the announcement shortly before 10:30pm on Friday.
The announcement came hours after torrential rain, flash flooding and mass evacuations. It also came after a body was found on Auckland’s North Shore.
“This declaration reflects the extent of damage, displacement and disruption caused by this evening’s severe weather event and enables emergency services and response agencies to draw on resources, and enact additional powers, to assist affected Aucklanders,” Brown said in a statement.
The statement also said the region has experienced widespread damage from flooding and torrential rain, with reports of slips and inundation, and that infrastructure and emergency services alike have been overwhelmed.
The local emergency declaration expires in seven days.
“We want to make sure that all residents are kept informed, and emergency services are able to reach those who are most vulnerable and at risk as quickly as possible. Do not put yourself at risk,” Brown said.
Earlier, deputy mayor Desley Simpson said Brown had declared a state of emergency, yet Auckland Emergency Management and Brown were yet to communicate such news.
Similarly, councillor Josephine Bartley, of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward, told Stuff she hoped the Mayor’s Office would soon communicate with the public.
Bartley read an email to Stuff, from the Mayor’s Office, saying Brown had signed a state of emergency and it will be communicated “imminently”.
Earlier, Mount Roskill Labour MP Michael Wood says the decision to declare a Civil Defence emergency ultimately rests with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
Taking to social media, Wood said Government ministers had been meeting on the flash flooding which has seen mass evacuations and a death on Auckland’s North Shore.
Wood described the situation as “extremely serious” and that “a formal declaration sits with the Mayor.”
