Key Takeaways
- Severe flooding and slips have affected parts of the North Island’s East Cape, with the small settlements of Te Araroa, Onepoto, and Wharekahika being the worst affected.
- Several properties have been damaged, and people have been evacuated from the roofs of two properties and a campground.
- All people are accounted for and safe, but the area has been left devastated, with roads washed out, houses inundated with debris, and cars and fences buried in mud.
- The Gisborne District Council has urged people to stay away from the area, with strong surges and heavy wave spray expected.
- Emergency services, including Fire and Emergency and the police, have been working to rescue those trapped and provide support to those affected.
Introduction to the Flooding
The recent flooding in Te Araroa has left a trail of devastation in its wake. For Philippa Wright, who lives near the Punaruku Stream, the night of the flood was a terrifying experience. She had moved to higher ground in her car with her grandson as the stream levels rose, but by daylight, the destruction was evident. The stream had overflowed, causing widespread damage, including washing away horse floats and baths from her neighbor’s driveway. Wright’s home was also affected, with mud and logs covering the property.
The Extent of the Damage
The flooding has had a significant impact on the small settlements of Te Araroa, Onepoto, and Wharekahika. The Gisborne District Council has reported that several properties have been damaged, and people have been evacuated from the roofs of two properties and a campground. The council has urged people to stay away from the area, with strong surges and heavy wave spray expected. The flooding has also caused highway closures and knocked out power to some properties, leaving over 300 homes without electricity.
Rescue Efforts
Emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue those trapped and provide support to those affected. Seven people, including small children, were rescued from a roof in Te Araroa after being stranded for hours. The rescue efforts were carried out by Fire and Emergency, with the assistance of the police. The rescued individuals were then evacuated by helicopter for medical assessment. The emergency services have also been working to assess the damage and provide assistance to those in need.
Aerial Assessment of the Damage
An aerial assessment of the damage has revealed the extent of the destruction caused by the flooding. River levels are high, and the water is brown, with woody debris present, snaking through the land and occasionally overtopping the banks to flood farmland on either side. While the damage is significant, locals have reported that it is not as bad as that caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. The aerial assessment has provided valuable insights into the extent of the damage and will help emergency services to target their response efforts.
Community Response
The community has come together to support those affected by the flooding. Maree Brownlie, who runs the Twilight Coffee Garden in Te Araroa, has been providing assistance to those in need. The community’s response to the flooding has been heartening, with many people coming together to provide support and assistance. The flooding has been a devastating event, but the community’s response has shown the resilience and strength of the people in the affected areas.
Conclusion
The flooding in Te Araroa has been a devastating event, causing widespread damage and disruption to the community. However, the response from emergency services and the community has been swift and effective. The aerial assessment of the damage has provided valuable insights into the extent of the destruction, and the community’s response has shown the resilience and strength of the people in the affected areas. As the community begins to recover from the flooding, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with the support of emergency services and the community, those affected will be able to rebuild and recover.