Queenstown flood claims lodged

Press, 18 January 1983, Page 6

Queenstown flood claims lodged

PA Dunedin Six shops and offices, a bank, and a hotel were still flooded in Queenstown yesterday as the Earthquake and War Damage Commission began processing claims after the Lake Wakatipu flood. The commission's secretary, Mr John Pritchard, and an assistant handled between 25 and 20 inquiries and expected more today. Shopkeepers, farmers, and jetty owners were among those making flood damage claims yesterday. The Queenstown Borough Council's chief executive, Mr W. J. Byers, said he did not expect the bill for damage to be more than $lOO,OOO. The sun was shining in Queenstown yesterday and most tourist firms were back in business.

The National Travel Association’s branch chairman, Mr S. McLean, said there was some concern that people further north believed

the town was submerged, but. apart from a very small area it was fully operational. The level of Lake Wakatipu has dropped only 4cm since it peaked on Friday. Yesterday the level was 311.58 m.

An Otago Catchment Board design engineer, Mr A. M. Torrance, said the lake level was being constrained by gravel discharge from the Shotover River, which flows into the Kawarau River, the river draining the lake. Mr Torrance said rivers in the region — the Makarora, Dart, and Rees — were flowing just above normal. The Weather Office had predicted further rain in the western ranges today and tomorrow.

Except for State highway 89. from Queenstown to Wanaka over the Crown Range, all roads in Otago and Fiordland are open, but motorists have been warned to take extreme care.

State highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound

was closed to light traffic after water crossed the road at Lake Lochie.

Buses were able to get through the flooded section and travel between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

Heavy rain in the area has brought the level of Lake Lochie up well above normal and it flowed over the road about 0.5 metre deep. Without a natural outlet, the lake relies on seepage to drain water from its basin.

The Ministry of Works and Development overseer at Te Anau. Mr K. Owen, said he could not recall the road being flooded in that area before. The water level across the road would be checked this morning before a decision was made on opening the road to light traffic.

Lake Manapouri was reported yesterday as being at its highest level since 1975, and more water was being spilled through the Mararoa dam than was entering the lake.