Localised Waitaki District state of emergency remains overnight

Published on 06 July 2026

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Localised state of emergency for Waitaki District will remain in place overnight

Update 3.45pm Monday 6 July

While rain is forecast to taper off overnight and river levels are dropping, the localised state of emergency for Waitaki District will remain in place overnight.

At 2.15pm today MetService lifted Otago’s Severe Weather Warning.

Twenty people evacuated their homes and have now been shifted from the Network Waitaki Event Centre to other accommodation.

Care packages are being arranged for those in need and building inspectors have completed property checks for those impacted.

Emergency services have responded to more than 50 emergency calls since midnight and their work has eased off.

NZ Police advise people to be careful while driving, saying that if a road is closed, it is closed for a reason. 

Public advice

Residents are reminded to:

  • Stay home in affected areas unless travel is absolutely necessary.
  • Never drive or walk through floodwater.
  • Treat all floodwater as contaminated. Be vigiliant when cleaning your property.
  • Watch for slips, debris and damaged road surfaces.
  • Check the NZTA website for state highway information and the Waitaki District Council website for local road closures.
  • Continue monitoring official Council and Civil Defence channels for updates.

If your home is flooding, you are trapped, or your safety is at immediate risk, call 111.

Anyone whose home or property has been damaged should contact their insurance provider when it is safe to do so.

Emergency Management Otago, Waitaki District Council and partner agencies will continue monitoring conditions  and will provide further updates as information becomes available.

Media enquiries: Public Information Management Phone: 027 213 0987

 

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