​Independent report released on Clutha Flooding event in October

Prolonged flooding and a log holding a stormwater flap gate open are the main challenges that affected the unexpected flooding of the industrial area in Balclutha during the October 2024 flooding event.

Clutha District Council has released the results of an independent review it requested into the operation and performance of the Hospital Creek Stormwater System in the early October floods.

Deputy Chief Executive Jules Witt said the review made a detailed list of recommendations and identified improvement areas for Council and Civil Defence for the future.

“However, the report identified the likely causes of prolonged flooding in the catchment was a large log holding a stormwater flap gate open allowing the Clutha River to flow back into low lying areas."

“The Hospital Creek pumps were operating, but the effective pumping rate was inadequate, which could be due to a number of reasons," Mr Witt said.

He also noted that in that catchment area the October 2024 event had higher flood levels than the larger February 2020 event.

Improvements recommended include:

• A thorough assessment of the stormwater pump system performance and capacity and consideration of additional remote monitoring.
• Repairs and maintenance on pump flap gates.
• Improved operational procedures and documented checks when flood warnings are issued.
• Develop a flood response plan for the Hospital Creek Catchment.

The independent review can be read on Council’s website and will be distributed to business owners in the area.