Historical emergencies

Heavy rainfall impacted the Otago region, particularly Dunedin and the Clutha District. A State of local emergency was declared for Dunedin City  at 11:55pm on 3 October 2024 due to significant impacts caused by heavy rainfall. A State of local emergency was declared for Clutha District at 1:05pm on 4 October 2024 due to significant flooding impacts. Both states of emergency were terminated on 6 October 2024.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Queenstown. A state of local emergency was declared on 22 September 2023.

On Monday 30 July 2007, over 90mm of rain fell in the Milton area. A Civil Defence emergency was declared for the Bruce Ward, particularly the Milton Township, at 8.40pm on Monday 30 July. The declaration was lifted at 9.00am on the morning of Tuesday 31 July after rain subsided and the recovery structure was in place.

Declared at 1918hrs. Terminated at 1300, 3 days later. Flooding in Balclutha (110 people evacuated); Kaitangata (30 people)

Threatening landslip. Declared at 1730hrs. Terminated at 2359, 10 days later. 64 houses evacuated.

Declared at 0830 hours. Terminated at 1700, 2 days later. Flooding in Alexandra (200+ businesses & houses); Roxburgh, Miller’s Flat, Ettrick.

Declared at 1800, lifted 1200 next day. Declaration by Mayor for whole district. Purpose: to assist Emergency Services in evacuating properties. 40 properties & in excess of 200 people evacuated; 2 houses destroyed by fire; 1 person died from heart attack - shock of event; many farm buildings, fences & numbers of livestock were destroyed by fire. No actual costs.

Declared at 0001 for Omarama, lifted at 0800. 35 evacuated.

Declared at 0900, terminated at 0930 on 12th. 4 families evacuated, 3000 campers encouraged to leave. This rain event caused loss of 2000 sheep and some $9.7 million in state highway damage. DOC property sustained over $1 million in damage

Catlins Ward. Declared 1440, terminated 1530 (next day). 128 people evacuated from Pounawea, Newhaven and Tahakopa. Recovery Manager appointed. Insurance claims $1.60m (excluding EQC). Road damage estimated at $2.5 million, farm damage at $766,695