State of emergency declared by Napier Mayor

UPDATED: November 18
4.58pm

Hawke's Bay District Health Board has issued a warning advising people not to gather shellfish from Hawke Bay until December 7.

The warning is due to health risk of eating shellfish that could be contaminated with sewage following the flood.

Non-filter feeding marine species including crayfish, fish, kina and paua are unaffected and can be consumed.

November 11
3.09pm

Civil Defence has released a guide outlining all the information you need to know about coping after the floods. Check it out here.

November 10
3.13pm

Civil Defence has advised those that have been affected by flooding to exercise caution when cleaning up their property. Flood water can contain hazardous bacteria that could lead to illness if proper hygiene is not adhered to. See the guide below to help keep you and your whānau safe:

Protecting your health in an emergency: Returning home after a flood.

November 10
9.40am

Flooding in Napier has caused residents to be stranded in their homes, schools to close and landslip warnings after Napier's wettest day in 150 years.

2000 houses have now had their power restored overnight leaving 680 properties still without power this morning (Tuesday 10 November). A number of landslips are being assessed on Napier Hill and a rain watch is still needed on the area from 3pm Tuesday afternoon to 10am Wednesday morning.

What you need to know:
- Emergency services are encouraging people to stay with family and friends if they need to evacuate. Where no other options are available, residents can evacuate to Kennedy Park (11 Storkey St, Marewa).
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), along with other agencies, are working to keep the community safe. Residents are urged to call 111 if they are feeling unsafe.
- FENZ says due to water contamination, residents should not drive in the flood waters and should stay indoors ensuring no food eaten has been in contact with flood waters due to the possible presence of sewage.
- MetService is also forecasting possible thunderstorms for northern Hawke’s Bay. Residents are urged to keep an eye on the news and expect delays if travelling.

Hawke’s Bay police area commander, Jeanette Park says residents in Marewa and Onekawa should stay inside until the flood waters receded, and all Napier residents who do not need to travel should stay home.

Police will continue today to work alongside the Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group to ensure the community is kept safe at this time. Read further updates now.