Cleanup Efforts Underway in Gore After Weekend Windstorm

Intense winds that swept through Southland over the weekend have left a trail of destruction in Gore, prompting local officials to initiate cleanup efforts. Wind speeds reached up to 155 km/h, causing widespread power outages and significant damage to infrastructure. As of noon on Monday, approximately 6,250 customers were still without power, according to Powernet chief executive Paul Blue.

Powernet had to temporarily remove its outage map due to the extensive issues created by the storm. In a statement, Blue emphasized the complexity of the restoration process, noting that some areas may take longer to restore service. “People should prepare to be without power for several days yet,” he advised, urging residents to refrain from clearing debris from power lines themselves for safety reasons. He added, “Please report broken poles, lines down, or trees on lines to us and wait for our teams to get there.”

Local Government Mobilizes Response

In response to the emergency, Mayor Ben Bell and the Gore District Council quickly established an emergency co-ordination centre in the council chambers. This move was intended to enhance support for the community as the scale of the damages became apparent. The council, in collaboration with Civil Defence and Invercargill City Council, began assessing damage and mitigating potential risks in the area.

Bell highlighted the importance of safety during the cleanup process. “We’ve been urging everyone who have been sharing generators to let Civil Defence know, to ensure people don’t burn out sharing those,” he stated. He also cautioned that some trees were precariously positioned above playgrounds, posing additional risks for residents, particularly children.

Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell visited the affected areas earlier this week to assess the situation and announce government support packages. During his visit, Bell accompanied Mitchell, noting the positive governmental response to the crisis. A total of $150,000 has been allocated for the rural relief fund to assist the community in recovery efforts.

“It was really good the minister came down, and I know MP Joseph Mooney has been doing a lot of driving as well,” Bell remarked. He expressed gratitude towards the command centre at Civil Defence Southland and acknowledged local radio stations Hokonui and Cave FM, which remained operational during the long weekend to keep residents informed.

Ongoing Cleanup and Community Safety

As cleanup efforts progress, Bell reiterated the need for residents to exercise caution. He urged the community to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks as the cleanup is expected to continue throughout the week.

The situation remains fluid, with local authorities working tirelessly to restore normalcy in Gore. Residents are advised to stay updated through official channels and to report any hazards or issues they encounter in the aftermath of the storm.

Cleanup crews are actively working to address the widespread damage, and the local government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents during this challenging time.