Emergency Management Officer Zoe Double and Natural Hazards Analyst Renee Martin recently travelled to South Westland as part of our ongoing natural hazards community engagement work.

At Haast and Fox Glacier Schools, students explored how natural hazards could affect a fictional West Coast township, then saw liquefaction in action through a hands-on sand-and-water demonstration. A rock represented a house sinking into liquefied ground, while a straw showed how buried pipes can be forced to the surface during an earthquake.

The team also met with community members in Haast, Fox Glacier and Jackson Bay who would play key roles in an emergency response. It was a valuable opportunity to reconnect, discuss local questions and concerns, and help ensure people feel informed and supported in their response roles.

Westland District Council - Te Kahui o Poutini Haast Primary School

Image: Students at Haast School receiving a practical demonstration in the impacts of liquefaction.

Morning Buller MetService have issued a Heavy Rain Warning - Orange for today.

Situation
A front brings heavy rain to southern and central New Zealand, as well as northerly gales to Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds. People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Area: Buller
Period: 20hrs from 1:00am Wed to 9:00pm Wed
Forecast: Expect 90 to 110 mm of rain, mainly about the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected during Wednesday morning and afternoon.
Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

Issued: 8:41pm Tue 13 October
Next Update: 10:00am Wed 14 October