Key Takeaways
- A tropical storm has caused widespread flooding on the Coromandel Peninsula, prompting a precautionary state of emergency.
- A community on the peninsula has come together to help those in need, including a 94-year-old man who was stranded in his bach.
- The community’s response has been praised by the man’s daughter, who says that the people of Tairua are "amazing" and always rally around to support each other in times of need.
- The flooding has caused houses and campgrounds to be inundated with water, and roads have been cut off, making it difficult for people to travel.
- The community’s efforts to help each other are a testament to the power of social media and the importance of looking out for one another, especially during emergencies.
Introduction to the Flooding
Flooding in the Coromandel Peninsula has spread throughout the day, with a tropical storm sweeping over the area and causing widespread damage. The storm has caused houses and campgrounds to be flooded, and roads have been cut off, making it difficult for people to travel. A precautionary state of emergency has been put in place, and the community is coming together to help those in need. One such example is the story of a 94-year-old man who was staying at a bach in Tairua when the flooding started. His daughter, Debbie Gray, put out an "SOS" on the Tairua community Facebook page, asking if anyone could help her father, who was unable to open the garage due to the flooding.
The Community’s Response
The response from the community was overwhelming, with many people offering to help Debbie’s father. Gray said that she had an incredible response from the community, with people responding to her post within minutes. "I tell you what, the people were amazing," she said. "Honestly, within five minutes, I had responses of ‘we’re heading down there now, we’ve seen him, the car’s out’, so I just can’t say enough for that community – it just rallies around." The community’s efforts to help Debbie’s father were successful, and his car was taken out of the garage and moved to a dryer spot. Gray said that it was comforting to know that people on Facebook were prepared to care for others, and that there was a "community of carers" on the peninsula who were doing amazing work.
The Power of Community
The community’s response to the flooding is a testament to the power of social media and the importance of looking out for one another, especially during emergencies. Gray said that this was not the first time the community had banded together to help each other, citing previous examples such as Cyclone Gabrielle. "I remember [Cyclone] Gabrielle – and even the one before that – the community just seem to pull together and support one another with things like ‘get out and check on your neighbours, and look out for each other’," she said. "It’s just incredible." The community’s efforts to help each other are a shining example of the importance of community and the impact that it can have on people’s lives.
The Impact of the Flooding
The flooding on the Coromandel Peninsula has had a significant impact on the community, with many houses and campgrounds being inundated with water. Roads have been cut off, making it difficult for people to travel, and a precautionary state of emergency has been put in place. The flooding has also caused significant damage to the environment, with landslides and erosion occurring in some areas. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, the community is coming together to support each other and rebuild. The story of Debbie’s father and the community’s response to his plight is a heartwarming example of the power of community and the importance of looking out for one another.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the flooding on the Coromandel Peninsula has had a significant impact on the community, but it has also brought out the best in people. The community’s response to the flooding has been overwhelming, with many people offering to help those in need. The story of Debbie’s father and the community’s response to his plight is a testament to the power of community and the importance of looking out for one another. As the community continues to rebuild and recover from the flooding, it is clear that the bonds of community will remain strong, and that the people of Tairua will continue to rally around to support each other in times of need.
