Auckland flooding: More than 5500 homes being assessed for damage after storm

Thursday, 2 September 2021

A number of properties in Auckland's Kumeū are under water after a storm. This video has no sound.

More than 5500 houses are being assessed for damage after a storm caused severe flooding in West Auckland on Tuesday.

The scale of the harm caused by the storm is beginning to emerge as Auckland Council carries out assessments in the impacted areas of Huapai, Waimauku, Kumeū, Henderson Valley and Ranui.

After an initial assessment indicated the flooding hit an area with over 5500 homes, Auckland Council will now further evaluate the damage through rapid building assessments, determining whether residents can return home.

The assessments will check for insanitary conditions, structural damage and compromised electrical systems.

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An initial assessment indicated the flooding hit an area with more than 5500 homes.

“Undertaking a Rapid Building Assessment process is a complicated operation normally, but pandemic restrictions add another level of complexity,” council spokesman Ian McCormick said.

Based on the damage inspection, houses will be given red, yellow or white placards over the next few weeks.

Inspections will be carried out under alert level 4 protocols.

White placards mean any damage is minor and the property is safe.

Yellow placards mean there is enough damage for the council to be concerned and entry is restricted to a certain part of the building.

Red placards mean the building is no longer habitable, unsafe or has suffered major structural damage.

McCormick said follow-up inspections will take place for buildings that are given yellow and red placards.

During alert level 4, building inspectors will proceed with assessments with required PPE and “taking the necessary steps to minimise contact with others”.

Auckland Emergency management deputy controller Rachel Kelleher is reminding people during this time to wear masks and “keep an accurate record of who you have been with”.

Civil Defence centres in Henderson and Kumeū will close at 12pm on Friday 3 September.

If you have been affected by the floods and need advice, support or assistance, call 0800 22 22 00.