'Alarming, serious situation': urgent action needed for rising Waiho River bed - Thu 29 Oct

The Waiho River near Franz Josef is experiencing alarming levels of sediment deposition, rising approximately 20 centimeters annually and now sitting two meters above the surrounding land. This situation poses a significant risk to the local population, prompting a technical advisory group to call for urgent intervention. Proposed measures could involve sacrificing farmland, relocating State Highway 6, and investing up to 100 million dollars to mitigate potential disasters.

Ian Fuller, a geomorphologist from Massey University, explains that the river's dynamics are influenced by sediment from the Franz Josef Glacier and the Calori River. The ongoing deposition is particularly concentrated just downstream from the State Highway 6 bridge, where the riverbed is naturally prone to accumulating material. Fuller warns that the risk of stock bank failure is increasing, which could lead to catastrophic flooding if the river's channels shift and direct flow against the banks.

The advisory group emphasizes the need for immediate action to address the growing danger, as the current flood protection measures may not be sufficient to cope with the unpredictable nature of the river's behavior. Fuller's insights highlight a critical concern for public safety, underscoring the urgency of addressing the environmental challenges posed by the Waiho River.

Massey University's Professor Ian Fuller says there is 'risk to life' with the rising Waiho River bed and we can't just keep raising the stop banks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.