Drivers of Abandoned Cars Asked to Report at 10am

The Army is still confirming everyone trapped on State Highway Five has been rescued from their vehicles.

Army uni-mogs coming from Napier and snow ploughs coming from Taupo are just a few kilometres from reaching each other, at which stage they it will be able to confirm the road has been evacuated.

All 260 people who had made it to the Te Pohue Hotel and Hall have been evacuated to Eskdale and another 25 at Te Haroto have opted to say put.

Almost 300 evacuees have passed through the Welfare Centre set up at Hukarere College, in Eskdale, just north of Napier.

Most have been picked up by Hawke’s Bay-based family or dropped home by bus but 24 out-of-towners have been accommodated at hotels in Napier.

Police are advising that people who have had to abandon their cars on State Highway Five should report to Hukarere Girls College at 10am.

Inspector Kevin Kalff said the road will not be re-opened until the whole road is clear of abandoned vehicles.

“There will be controlled access with a police escort for buses taking the owners of vehicles.

“We’re asking that only the owners or drivers of the Hawke’s Bay-based vehicles to report. If people are continuing on to Taupo they can bring their passengers with them – just to keep the number of buses needed to a minimum,” Inspector Kalff said.

There are widespread power outages in the high country to the north and south of State Highway Five, including Te Pohue, Patoka, Tarawera and Tutira.

Unison spokesman Danny Gough says it will not be clear how long it will take to restore power until the damage can be assessed during daylight.