Source: New Zealand Police
Specialist technology is being used to ensure the safety of teams working on the recovery operation at Mount Maunganui.
The search area was evacuated at 11.50am yesterday, after a contractor driver noticed potential instability on the face of the slip. Following advice from two independent geotechnical experts, it was deemed too hazardous for teams to continue working.
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson says the recovery effort resumed at 10.30am today.
“There is an ever-present risk to the dedicated teams working in the shadow of the maunga, but sensitive surveillance equipment is now giving us a real-time overview of the condition of the environment. Slight movements can be tracked, and we can get people out of the immediate area under the slip.
“The equipment was helicoptered to Tauranga from Wellington last night and as of this morning, it’s operating and providing an extra layer of protection. We can’t control the hazard, but we are focused on controlling the consequences.
“We are doing everything we can to protect the people who are trying to reunite loved ones with their families.
“Recovery teams are working methodically through the scene, but there are still many days of work ahead of us. Due to the conditions, there is no timeline for completing our work. It is a delicate operation, and it will take as long as it takes.”
Constant monitoring
Overnight, a design engineering firm with geotechnical expertise installed the three cameras that now provide a “visual web” of the slip and slope area, up to 300 metres wide.
In addition to the cameras, drones capture photo imagery of the mountainside three times a day. Three human spotters are also watching the mountain constantly while crews are working on the recovery.
“Every person at the scene has been told to raise the alarm if they see potential movement. It doesn’t matter if it turns out to be a false alarm – our main concern is for the people working that danger zone.”
Ground crews hoping for sun
Superintendent Anderson says weather remains the biggest obstacle to the recovery effort.
Until the sodden, clay-like material is cleared, layer by layer, it’s hard to estimate the volume that came down, but it could possibly be “in the tens of thousands of cubic metres”.
“We’re just holding out for the weather to improve because moisture is the enemy at this point.
“The condition of the ground is slowly stabilising but there is no technology that will stop the threat that rain brings. The ground is saturated and what we need is days of fine weather.”
Sensors will be installed on the mountain “hopefully, in the coming days”, if conditions allow the ground to dry and stabilise.
“It’s really important for people to remember, ‘stabilised’ doesn’t mean safe. The recovery teams are working in conditions that remain highly dangerous.”
Overwhelming aroha from community
Superintendent Anderson says Police, Council and geotechnical experts are working together on whether cordons can be reduced “if conditions allow”.
“We want to thank the community for their understanding while this delicate work is ongoing.
“It’s been humbling to see the outpouring of support and aroha from so many people, including those providing food for staff and the many offers of equipment and supplies.
“I also want to acknowledge our Family Liaison Officers, and the specialist staff working at the scene. Their efforts are enormous. They are extremely dedicated people who are keen to reunite families with their loved ones as soon as possible, and they doing an incredibly thorough and professional job.
“The community has rallied around the families and the responders, and it really shows what a special place this is.”
Appeal for footage continues
Police are asking anyone with video footage of the slip at Mt Maunganui to upload it via this online portal.
Privacy request from families
Police are aware some family members are feeling uncomfortable with receiving multiple requests for comment. We ask that their wishes be respected while they grieve, and that they are not approached repeatedly if they do not reply to messages or calls.
Media can request comment through the Police Media Centre, and requests will be passed on by Family Liaison Officers.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre