July 2021 Storm Event

On 17 and 18 July 2021 an extreme weather event (rain) happened across the Marlborough District. The effect of which caused major flooding through the central sounds area with many roads affected (slips and rock falls). This caused the stranding of many people/communities (locals and holiday makers). The rain also flooded areas of orchard/vineyard area around Blenheim and out towards the mouth of the Wairau River.

Major washout of roads/bridges infrastructure in the Awatere and Waihopai Valleys, North Bank, Kaiuma Bay, Queen Charlotte Drive and Kenepuru Road also occurred.

COVID-19 was spreading through New Zealand and Alert Level statuses changed resulting in at times the restricted movement of people, ability to meet with communities in groups and the ability to secure resources.

It is estimated there were 640 properties not accessible via their usual roading access due to damage from the storm and require the use of alternative routes/methods for supplies/servicing and schooling.

Rapid building assessments indicated there were 4 uninhabitable (red placard) properties due to slips or flooding and a further 9 with restricted access (yellow placard).