Te Puna Ora o Mataatua is encouraging whānau to ensure they are well prepared ahead of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.
The cyclone heading towards Aotearoa has been upgraded to a severe category three storm and is predicted to hit Sunday, starting north and spreading throughout the rest of the motu, including parts of Mataatua and the wider Bay of Plenty early next week.
The most severe impacts are expected on Monday and Tuesday.
Te Puna Ora o Mataatua Chief Executive Chris Tooley says while our Mataatua rohe may not suffer too much damage, it’s important to be prepared.
“This summer we’ve already seen the devastating impacts that extreme weather has had throughout the country, including in Tāmaki Makaurau.
“We’re urging whānau to heed caution as Cyclone Gabrielle approaches, by ensuring good plans are in place now to keep their whānau safe.”
Te Puna Ora o Mataatua Health and Safety Manager Robert Collier says whānau should ensure they are well-stocked on the essentials including having good supplies of kai and water.
“You should also start a kōrero with those in your household about how to prepare for an evacuation, including what steps you might take and where you might go in the case of an evacuation.
“Local news and weather updates are a great way to stay informed about the latest changes and developments in our rohe.
“Taking these steps can help to ensure our safety and well-being, kia haumaru ai tatou.”
**WEATHER WARNING**
Kia Mataara! Be Prepared!
Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle is moving towards Aotearoa
Expect heavy rain from Monday….
Here are a few tips to help you and your whānau prepare….
1. Stay informed: Monitor local news and weather updates to stay informed about the latest developments and changes in the forecast. Whakatāne District Council is open all weekend for information and tautoko.
2. Develop an evacuation plan: Make sure that everyone in your whare is aware of the evacuation plan and has a safe place to go in case of emergency.
3. Stock up on supplies: Ensure that you have enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last for several days.
4. Secure loose objects: Take the time to secure loose objects around your property that could become dangerous projectiles in strong winds.
5. Take care of your health: Make sure that everyone in your whare is taking steps to look after their health, such as staying hydrated and avoiding exposure to contaminated water.
6. Stay in touch: Make sure that everyone in your whare is able to stay in touch with one another during and after the storm, and that they have access to emergency information and support.
Our recent experience with ex tropical cyclone Hale informed us that the impacts of an extreme weather event can include:
Disrupted power supplies
TRY TO PREPARE: Access to alternative power generation
Disrupted communications including internet coverage
TRY TO PREPARE: Look for other ways to contact whānau and neighbours
Failure of ATM machines
PREPARE: Have some cash ready
Disrupted fuel supplies as bowsers lose power to the fuel pumps.
PREPARE: Have some fuel ready
Isolation for coastal communities as roads are closed.
PREPARE: Prepare to Work From Home on Monday. Talk to your Manager about a plan.
Along with flooding of properties, land slips and contamination by sewage in floodwaters.
TRY TO PREPARE: An Evacuation plan and advice, sandbags and pumps.
