July 11, 2014
Kaimoana off menu as storm batters north
Whanau in Northland are being warned to avoid eating shellfish or wetfish until several days after the current storm ends.
Clair Mills, the Northland District Health Board medical officer of health, says people should stay out of waterways, flood waters and harbours to avoid contact with contaminated water.
The Whangarei District Council says there have been no discharges of raw sewage from its facilities, but private septic tank and effluent holding systems in rural areas may be vulnerable.
Further north power cuts and flooding have put pumping stations out of action, and people are being warned to conserve water in Opononi, Omapere, Rawene, Moerewa and Kawakawa.
The storm is being described as the worst in decades, and more rain and high winds are expected over the weekend.
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