Residents in parts of Porirua are dealing with severe flooding after torrential rain inundates homes and forces evacuations on Saturday, with more heavy rain expected later today.
One household in Porirua has been evacuated as torrential rain sweeps across the region, with nearby areas including Pāuatahanui and Plimmerton among the hardest hit.
Pāuatahanui resident Andrew Frazer said the downpour was unlike anything he had seen in decades.
“We just had perhaps the heaviest rain I’ve ever seen, sort of like tropical hurricane-like rain storm, and this rain just came up really, really quickly,” Frazer told RNZ.
Floodwater entered his home for about an hour before receding, leaving behind silt and damage.
In Plimmerton, residents are spending the day sandbagging properties and clearing drains after a nearby stream overflowed into homes. One property reported flooding in a garage and bedroom, with neighbours stepping in to help while the homeowners were away.
Local volunteer Damo said flooding in the area was a recurring issue.
“The stream floods pretty much every time there’s a big storm,” he told RNZ, adding blocked drains remained an ongoing concern despite repeated requests for maintenance.
His mother, Irene, said the repeated impact on residents was frustrating.
“This is the second time in four to five years that they’ve been flooded out like this,” she told RNZ.
Fire crews are working alongside residents to clear drains, helping water levels drop more quickly than in previous events.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said 40mm of rain fell in Plimmerton over a two-hour period, contributing to the flooding.
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office regional manager Dan Neely said two further bands of heavy rain are expected later on Saturday, around 2pm and 8pm.
“We know we have two big rain bands coming, but there is a lot of uncertainty about where they will hit and how much rain will fall,” Neely said.
“We are urging people to avoid all non-essential travel for the rest of today, but particularly around those times,” he said.
Neely said there was concern for already affected areas and key routes.
“We have concern for the areas already impacted, including around SH2, SH58 and SH59,” he said.
“If you are travelling on those routes when the heavy rain hits, you may be impacted by flash or surface flooding. Do not drive through floodwaters.”
Across the wider region, 25 households have been evacuated in Stokes Valley, while Porirua has recorded one evacuation. Most displaced residents are staying with family and friends, with a small number housed in council facilities.
Neely urged residents to take precautions ahead of the next rain bands.
“Stay inside and don’t drive unless absolutely necessary,” he said.
“Act quickly if you see rising water. Do not wait for official warnings. Move to higher ground.
“Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood water.”