A tornado which struck the eastern end of Ōhope at 5.45pm Monday, 20 August significantly damaged at least two properties and caused moderate damage to a further four properties.
No injuries have been reported.
Fire Service units from Ōhope, Whakatāne, Edgecumbe, Tāneatua and Rural Fire attended to assist with securing damaged properties and Police patrols were increased overnight to provide additional security.
A Whakatāne District Council wastewater pump station was also damaged, shutting down the sewerage system in the area. The wastewater service restarted overnight and repairs to the pump station structure will be undertaken today.
Council Building Control Officers were on-site early Tuesday morning to assess damage and advise property owners on repairs. Owners are advised to contact their insurers in the first instance. The Council will provide a navigator service to assist people with property damage or other issues relating to the tornado, as necessary.
Assistance can be requested by calling the Council Customer Service team on 306 0500.
The most significant damage is reported to have been sustained by the Surf and Sand conference centre and at least one nearby home on Harbour Road.
Latest Update: 4.30pm, Tuesday, 21 August
- The Council continues to support affected property owners and navigators have been providing support as required
- We have an ISCL security guard on duty in the affected area from 5.45pm today until 7am tomorrow
- Police will also be undertaking extra patrols in the area to ensure properties are safe
- Clean up of debris in the harbour has commenced
- People should not use the harbourside walking track behind the damaged buildings because broken glass and small debris make it unsafe - track closure signage has been erected
- Debris will be removed from reserves
- Wastewater services are not affected, but some electrical repairs are required at the pump station
Update, 2.20pm: Tuesday, 21 August
- Six properties on Harbour Road received minor-to-moderate damage but are safe to occupy.
- Two buildings received significant damage, but are structurally safe. Repairs are either underway or will be by tomorrow.
- One home received major damage and will be assessed by a structural engineer this afternoon to confirm whether part of the building can be occupied. If that is not the case, security staff will be put in place overnight to ensure the property is safe. Temporary accommodation will be provided for the residents, if required.
- The Surf and Sand Holiday Park conference centre has sustained major structural damage and a dangerous building notice has been put in place.
- The area the tornado tracked through has been littered with potentially dangerous debris – glass, roofing iron, etc. – and people are advised to stay clear of the area until it is cleaned-up. That includes a section of the Harbourside Trail along the northern edge of Ōhiwa Harbour, which has been closed until the clean-up work is complete.
- Council Building Control Officers and navigators are assisting impacted residents with advice on building damage and how they can address their immediate issues.
- Fire Service staff from throughout the Whakatāne District did a great job last night, helping people with damaged homes secure them against the elements.
- Contractors are cleaning up Council reserves and the local community has pitched in and started a major clean-up effort, removing tornado debris from private properties.
- Fortunately, there were no injuries sustained in what was a very frightening and dangerous situation.