Flood update

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Officials are spending the morning assessing damage from last night’s flooding.

The Emergency Operations Centre issued its latest report just after 8.30am. It said its priority is damage assessment to infrastructure, Richmond’s CBD and businesses, residents and parks and reserves.

Both Nelson City and Tasman District customer service centres are operating as normal.

Residents who have damage should in the first instance ring their insurers. If welfare assistance is needed, a welfare centre is opening at Richmond New Life Centre, 85 Wensley Rd, at 9.30am.

Rain is expected to continue all day with some change of strong bands of rain coming mid to late morning. If any road inundation remains or occurs again today, residents are asked to drive slowly through these areas so the bow waves from water do not rush into houses and businesses.

Water quality in the Richmond area is fine, but residents who have been inundated with muddy water are asked to not wash down the mud today to avoid affecting water quality.

Residents who have had damage to their property should, in the first instance, ring their insurance company.

If anyone needs emergency assistance, they should ring 111. Otherwise, both Council customer service centres are operating normally.

Tasman District Council’s Customer Service Centre in Queen Street was relocated due to flooding and for today it is requested only those with urgent needs come to the office as staff attempt to help those with the most need. The call centre is open and able to assist on 03 543 8400, however, there may be a small delay in answering the call as the staff deal with the large number of calls expected today. It is expected that normal business will resume tomorrow.

An update on road closures will come after 8.30am.