Coastal Residents Urged to Prepare for Potential Evacuations Tomorrow

Whakatāne District Council said there is a high likelyhood coastal areas of Ōhope, including West End, will need to be evacuated tomorrow.

Whakatāne District Council are urging coastal areas to prepare for potential evacuation tomorrow, ahead of Cyclone Vaianu. 

Although evacuation orders are not currently in place, it said residents are being encouraged to prepare now.

This includes people in West End, beachfront properties on Pōhutukawa Avenue, Waterford Estate, Plantation Reserve, and low‑lying areas bordering Ōhiwa Harbour.

Residents across the district who live near steep cliffs or escarpments are also being asked to consider relocating to a less risky location if needed.

Residents should plan where to go and pack essential items in a grab bag. 

It said although evacuations are not required at this stage, forecasts indicate there may be a need to move people tomorrow due to risks from landslides, storm surge, large waves and coastal flooding.

People are encouraged to plan where they could go, pack essential items, and stay informed through official Council updates.

If evacuation is required, Police will door-knock all affected properties with clear information and next steps. 

West End residents would have until 5pm Saturday to re-locate and a road block would be in place following this until daylight Monday. 

Council warn there is also a high likelyhood a Local State of Emergency will be declared tomorrow morning, which would allow teams to close areas, evacuate people and get resources to respond to the event. 

It said this is to ensure Council staff can take decisive action to keep people safe. 

In the event of a Local State of Emergency and mandatory evacuations, an Emergency Evacuation Centre will open at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall.

It said in any emergency situations, move to somewhere less dangerous, and if there is a threat to life, call 111.