Mandatory Evacuation for West End and Local State of Emergency Declared

Whakatāne District Council said parts of Ōhope and Thornton need to evacuate by 5pm tonight, with other coastal properties encouraged to self-evacuate.

Whakatāne District Council put a mandatory evacuation order in place for all West End properties up to and including the Beach Point Apartment complex this morning. 

All people must evacuate by 5pm today and should prepare for two days away from home.

Police and Council staff have door-knocked affected properties. 

Following the evacuation deadline, a roadblock will be put in place at the start of West End. 

Re-entry will be reassessed at daylight on Monday. 

Local Controller Nicholas Woodley said, "Pack what you need, tell your neighbours and go. There is no need for panic - but there is every reason to move now, while the roads are clear and conditions manageable."

Whakatāne District Council issued further mandatory evacuations in both Thornton and Ōhope this afternoon. 

It said there is a real risk to life, so people must leave as soon as possible while it is still safe to do so. 

In Ōhope, odd-numbered properties from 47 to 291 Pōhutukawa Ave, 4 Bluett Road, 1 to 6 Te Akau Street, and even-numbered houses on Harbour Road from 114 to 128 have been asked to evacuate on top of this morning's West End evacuation. 

82 Thornton Hall Road has also been asked to evacuate. 

In Whakatāne, evacuation has been ordered at Iceman, Gibbos on the Wharf, Diveworks, Whakatane Sports Fishing Club, and the Whakatāne Yacht Club. 

Council staff and Police are door-knocking those affected. 

It said residents should plan to be away for at least two days and must relocate by 5pm today.

"Take essential items only – medicines, warm clothing, phone chargers and important documents."

Other coastal and low-lying areas are strongly urged to self-evacuate now. 

This includes all beachfront properties, odd-numbered properties on Maraetōtara Road from 217 to 235, low-lying areas near Ōhiwa Harbour, including Liddon Cove, Ōhiwa Parade and Harbour Road. 

Ocean Road Ōhope, East Bank Road properties from 9 to 17, Thornton Road properties from 723 through to 737 and 694 as well as Thornton Campground, are also being encouraged to evacuate. 

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

An Emergency Evacuation Centre has opened 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.

The Whakatāne District Council has declared a State of Local Emergency for the district due to the expected impacts of Cyclone Vaianu.