Central Otago Police and Search and Rescue volunteers are responding to a group of 34 people who are stuck on the Waikaia Bush Road above PIano Flat as a result of inclement weather and vehicle break downs.
Police and the National Rescue Coordination Centre were notified by two separate parties after they became stuck and were unable to proceed whilst out on a four-wheel-drive trip in the area late this afternoon.
A land based effort is being coordinated after extremely poor weather has negated the ability to utilise helicopter options in the recovery. The group is reported as having warm clothes, food and shelter within their vehicles, however the welfare of several young children with the group have raised concerns for police.
Police remind people looking to undertake back country adventure trips to enusre they check the weather forecast prior to going out. A simple check for weather warnings can be done through the Metservice website.
ENDS
Released by Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, Southern District Police