Authorities issue update on Levin tornado damage

Following a tornado that hit Levin on Friday, the Horowhenua District Council has issued an update on the damage to the community and given pointers for residents whose properties have been affected by the tornado.

The council’s Urban Search and Rescue team immediately conducted building assessments on damaged properties, prioritising the most severely damaged. Out of 15 buildings assessed, eight were classified as uninhabitable. The council will assess more properties this week.

To assist in cleanup operations, more than 250 volunteers were deployed, including some with specialised skills. Fire and emergency services received at least 67 emergency calls to 111 and 37 welfare calls were made. Four families stayed in emergency accommodation on Friday night, while others stayed with friends and family.

On Saturday afternoon, 48 Electra customers in the Levin area were without power, and all power service was restored by Monday.

Insurers, such as those under IAG, sprang into action to provide support to affected customers. The government will also provide support for those without insurance.

“Those that have been impacted most are our highest priority,” said Daniel Haigh, local controller from the Horowhenua District Council. “If your building has been red-stickered, you are prohibited from entering the building as it has been deemed unsafe to do so. If you haven’t done so already, please talk to your insurance assessor. Our building advisors will be in touch with you … to talk through the next steps. If your building has been red-stickered and you do not have insurance, please reach out as support is available to you. Your wellbeing is of the utmost importance, and we do not want anyone to feel as if they can’t ask for help.”