Flooding on nearby Kio Kio Station Road. Photo: Supplied / Colin Payne
The Ōtorohanga community is grieving the death of a man in floodwaters.
The man died after his vehicle became submerged in floodwaters while travelling on State Highway 39 on Friday night.
A member of the public alerted emergency services at about 9.15pm on Friday.
The car was submerged near the intersection of State Highway 39 and Kiwi Road at Puketotara, and the man was found deceased inside the vehicle, police said.
State Highway 39 remains closed.
A man has died after his car was submerged in floodwaters on State Highway 39. Photo: Screenshot/Google Maps
Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow said the community was grieving following the news of the death.
"It is with deepest sadness that I, alongside my community, acknowledge the tragic loss of life within the Ōtorohanga district during last night's extreme weather event," Dow told media on Saturday.
He said police had notified the next of kin, and the council was working alongside authorities to support the whānau.
"This is devastating news for our community. Right now, our focus is on supporting those affected by the widespread flooding as well as the emergency workers and support agencies who are also helping."
Dow extended his "aroha, love and heartfelt condolences" to the family.
Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow said the community was grieving following the news of the death. Photo: RNZ/ Marika Khabazi
He said the storm hit the Ōtorohanga district and wider region with rainfall described as significant, with between 150 and 300 millimetres recorded within an hour.
"It may take a few days to fully understand the scale and impact across our community," he said.
Residents were urged to stay away from flooded areas and slips, which may be unsafe. Those who did not feel safe in their homes were asked to self-evacuate.
St David's Church and Te Kotahitanga Marae are open to anyone needing somewhere warm and dry, Dow said.
People needing assistance were asked to contact the council's 24/7 call centre on 0800 734 000.
Motorists have been warned to drive with extreme caution and not attempt to drive through flooded roads.
A number of local roads and highways are shut across the district, including:
- State Highway 39, between Otorohanga and Pirongia
- State Highway 3 between Mangaorongo Road and Ngahape Road.
- Kiokio Station Road at Otorohanga.
- Phillips Road at Otorohanga.
A local State of Emergency has been declared for Ōtorohanga.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
