Evacuations ordered for Ohope and Thornton coast as Cyclone Vaianu impacts Whakatane district
Civil Defence has pushed an Emergency Mobile Alert directing people to leave low-lying coastal areas before midday, with a welfare centre open in town.
An Emergency Mobile Alert has ordered people in Ohope and the coastal Thornton area to evacuate now as Sub-Tropical Cyclone Vaianu severely impacts coastal parts of the Whakatane district.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defence says people in Ohope, coastal Thornton, and anywhere they feel unsafe should leave before 12pm. Those evacuating are asked to stay with family or friends where possible. Whakatane War Memorial Hall is open as a welfare centre for anyone who needs it.
People are advised to take essential items if it won’t delay their departure — medication, warm clothes, important documents, and supplies for babies and pets. Do not drive through floodwaters. Phone 111 if life is at risk.
Updates are being posted at www.whakatane.govt.nz and www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence. The alert was issued by the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and lists the event as an observed severe weather emergency linked to Sub-Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.
This article was originally written by AI. You can view the original source here.