WELLINGTON: New Zealand has deployed soldiers to help prevent drought-stricken North Island towns from running dry as authorities consider imposing water restrictions in Auckland, the country's largest city.
Meteorologists have said areas of the North Island are experiencing the longest dry spell for seven years, with severe drought conditions in Northland and parts of greater Auckland.
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Troops with trucks capable of carrying large loads of water were sent to Northland this week to help replenish storage tanks in parched towns and settlements.
"Water is an important resource and we are happy to help the communities," second lieutenant Josh Gaul-Crown said on Thursday (Feb 27).
Tankers owned by dairy giant Fonterra are also being used to freight in water between their regular milk collection runs.
The situation has become so dire that thieves stole 40,000 litres of water from a tank at Tinopai school, an act principal Sonya Kaihe described as "despicable".
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Northland civil defence chief Graeme MacDonald said central holding tanks in the towns of Rawene, Kaikohe and Kaitaia had been replenished and there was no need for residents to panic.
"If the taps go dry, we have water available in tanks for you," he said.
"We know that you're under stress, we know that it's a difficult time, your water will be delivered in due course, just be patient."
The government has allocated NZ$2.0 million (US$1.3 million) to ensure supplies are maintained and plans are under way toRead More – Source
WELLINGTON: New Zealand has deployed soldiers to help prevent drought-stricken North Island towns from running dry as authorities consider imposing water restrictions in Auckland, the country's largest city.
Meteorologists have said areas of the North Island are experiencing the longest dry spell for seven years, with severe drought conditions in Northland and parts of greater Auckland.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Troops with trucks capable of carrying large loads of water were sent to Northland this week to help replenish storage tanks in parched towns and settlements.
"Water is an important resource and we are happy to help the communities," second lieutenant Josh Gaul-Crown said on Thursday (Feb 27).
Tankers owned by dairy giant Fonterra are also being used to freight in water between their regular milk collection runs.
The situation has become so dire that thieves stole 40,000 litres of water from a tank at Tinopai school, an act principal Sonya Kaihe described as "despicable".
Advertisement
Advertisement
Northland civil defence chief Graeme MacDonald said central holding tanks in the towns of Rawene, Kaikohe and Kaitaia had been replenished and there was no need for residents to panic.
"If the taps go dry, we have water available in tanks for you," he said.
"We know that you're under stress, we know that it's a difficult time, your water will be delivered in due course, just be patient."
The government has allocated NZ$2.0 million (US$1.3 million) to ensure supplies are maintained and plans are under way toRead More – Source
