IWK

80 homes significantly damaged in last week’s storm

Written by IWK Bureau | Sep 7, 2021 4:16:07 AM

Rapid Building Assessments undertaken by Auckland Council’s Regulatory team have identified that almost eighty homes suffered significant damage in last week’s floods.

Preliminary investigations undertaken on Thursday and Friday showed that the impacted area was more localised than originally suspected, reducing the number of affected homes.

“Last week’s flooding added an extra level of stress to what was already a difficult time, and my thoughts continue to be with those whose homes and businesses were affected,” Mayor Phil Goff says.

“Alert Level 4 has made the response even more challenging, and I want to thank all of those involved for acting quickly and for helping get the recovery effort underway in difficult circumstances.

“For those who are still unable to return home, support is available from Auckland Council. If you need assistance, advice or support, please call the council on 0800 22 22 00.”

The assessments, which were undertaken by a team of 90 building consenting and regulatory compliance staff, have to date resulted in:

  • Four homes receiving a red placard – this means that re-entry is prohibited because it is no longer habitable or has suffered significant structural compromise and is unsafe due to safety concerns. A red placard means further investigation and remedial work is required before the property is safe to occupy.
  • 74 receiving a yellow placard – This means there is restricted entry to part of the building, that there is enough damage for the council to have concerns about the building’s performance, but not enough to prevent entry entirely. For example, it might mean that electrical systems have been compromised but the rest of the house is safe.
  • 106 receiving a white placard – This means the property may have minor damage, but it has been deemed to be sufficiently safe and inhabitable and that no council follow up is required.

The numbers of placards are expected to change overtime as further assessments / remedial work is conducted.

Council General Manager Building Consents, Ian McCormick says the council’s Regulatory Compliance team will be following up with owners who have received a yellow or red placard to provide support.

“It is likely that most of the damage suffered to these homes will not involve remedial work that requires building consent, but our teams will be on hand to let owners know what the next steps are.

“We know that this can be a challenging time, and we want to make it as easy as possible for those that have been affected.

“Anyone who has a question regarding the placards that have been placed on their property, or who needs further assistance can call the council’s contact centre and they will be transferred directly to a designated team that has been set up to help them.”