Sewage Overflows into Homes in New Zealand After Night of Heavy Rain

(Central News Agency, Wellington, 5th) Wellington Water, the capital's water utility, said that a storm last night caused a sewage pipe blockage, leading to homes being flooded with excrement and sanitary products today.

According to AFP, Wellington Water stated that the sewage overflow in the scenic suburb of Island Bay was primarily due to a blockage in a main pipe.

The company said five properties were affected by the sewage overflow, and workers are working to remove excrement and sanitary products, as well as assisting affected homes with cleaning and disinfection.

In a statement, Wellington Water said: "A vacuum truck is on site at the overflow. We are aware of several properties experiencing overflows due to a blockage in a main pipe. We are working with homeowners to assist with cleaning and disinfection."

Island Bay resident Richard Peters told Radio New Zealand (RNZ) that the situation became "disgusting" after the floodwaters receded.

Peters said: "The ground was literally covered in feces, tampons, and brown sewage. It was filthy and disgusting."

Metservice, New Zealand's meteorological service, said Wellington recorded over 5,000 lightning strikes last night, with a heavy thunderstorm bringing 25.7 millimeters of rain to the city in two hours.

Wellington Water said the heavy rain also caused further problems at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant, which has been unable to operate normally since a storm in February.

Since the Moa Point plant malfunctioned, millions of liters of untreated sewage have flowed into the sea near Wellington's scenic south coast beaches.

Although minor repairs have been carried out since then, the plant is not expected to be fully operational until November this year.

Wellington Water noted that the heavy thunderstorm led to more untreated sewage being discharged into the sea last night.

The company said it has advised residents to "stay away from Tarakena Bay and avoid swimming, surfing, or kayaking on Wellington's south coast until further notice." (Translator: Liu Shuqin) 1150605