Severe Flooding Disrupts Life in Coromandel Peninsula After Deluge

Severe flooding has disrupted daily life across the Coromandel Peninsula following intense rainfall on March 15, 2024. The storm, which dropped an astonishing 331 mm of rain at the Matawai Stream weather station, left tens of thousands of residents cut off and many without power. As emergency workers assess the damage, officials are urging the public to limit travel in the affected areas.

Access to Whitianga, a key town on the peninsula, has reopened, but floodwaters remain high. Emergency services are working diligently to address the extensive damage caused by the deluge, which was roughly equivalent to a quarter of the district’s annual rainfall falling in just one day. Drone footage captured by Paul Nicholson on State Highway 25 illustrates the severity of the situation, revealing significant landslides that have obstructed access to coastal areas.

The Waikato Regional Council reported heavy rainfall across the peninsula, with other measuring stations like the Pinnacles recording 296 mm. As of Thursday morning, approximately 1,700 residents remained without power as utility company Powerco managed multiple outages.

Emergency Responses and Infrastructure Challenges

Thames-Coromandel mayor Peter Revell confirmed that while the worst of the rain has subsided, floodwaters are still receding, allowing some roads to reopen. Among these, access from Thames to Whitianga via Tapu-Coroglen Road is now accessible, although slips have been reported on State Highway 25A from Kopu to Hikuai.

Despite some recovery, access to the eastern side of the peninsula remains problematic. The Karangahake Gorge is closed due to dramatically rising river levels, rendering the road from Paeroa to Waihi impassable. Mayor Toby Adams noted that the Ohinemuri River peaked at 17.9 meters, prompting the closure of floodgates in Paeroa to maintain the integrity of nearby stopbanks.

Local towing services described the conditions as “really bad,” with reports of washed-out bridges and landslides. Roads including SH25 from Coromandel to Whitianga and beyond are closed, isolating communities and complicating recovery efforts.

Community Preparedness and Ongoing Precautions

In response to the flooding, the Thames-Coromandel District Council declared a precautionary state of emergency. Mayor Revell emphasized the importance of public safety, urging residents to remain in high ground and avoid unnecessary travel. Two campgrounds, including those at Cook’s Beach and Hot Water Beach, were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Local businesses have adapted to the circumstances differently. While some establishments closed for safety, others remained open, preparing for potential disruptions. Brent Prisk, owner of Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill, stated, “For us, it’s just business as usual,” highlighting the establishment’s readiness with backup power systems.

Emergency services are working tirelessly, with infrastructure teams on standby to respond to ongoing challenges. The Department of Conservation has temporarily closed Cathedral Cove due to the risk of landslides and rockfalls, urging the public to stay clear until conditions improve.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of this significant weather event, officials continue to prioritize community safety and restoration efforts. With no further rain forecasted for the day, residents are hopeful for a gradual return to normalcy, although caution remains paramount in the days ahead.