Escarpment stability issues have been highlighted by a slip at West End in Ohope, which has seen a large tree land on the unoccupied house below it.

A dangerous building notice has been issued for the property and the nearest neighbours have self-evacuated to ensure their safety.

People in landslide prone areas are being warned to be vigilant and to stay out of parts of their homes nearest escarpment faces. File photo.

The Whakatane District Council is urging people living in landslide-prone areas stay out of the parts of their homes which are nearest to escarpment faces. 'Residents should also check the escarpment face and if they are at all concerned about stability, self-evacuate to a safe location,” says communications manager Ross Boreham.

Taneatua residents are urged not to use their reticulated water supply unless absolutely necessary.

'A problem with the supply has seen reservoir storage fall to just 25 per cent and urgent conservation is required to ensure that enough storage is kept to deal with emergency situations.

'Council staff are working on the problem, but until further notice, anyone drawing water from the Tāneatua supply should avoid any unnecessary usage.”

Ross says intense periods of rainfall over the past 24 hours have caused extensive surface flooding and related damage in many parts of Whakatane, Ohope and other parts of the Whakatane District.

A number of roads are closed by slips or flood damage, including Hillcrest Road; Matahi Valley Road; Hereperu Road; and Valley Road (the latter is expected to be open soon).