Key Takeaways:
- A woman, Jazmyn Welch, was rescued by kayak from her Coromandel home after it was surrounded by neck-deep, fast-moving floodwaters.
- The flooding was worse than anything she had experienced before, including Cyclone Gabrielle.
- Welch and her partner, Holly, were rescued by Welch’s father, John, who paddled through trees to reach them.
- The pair took only essential items, such as car keys, passports, and a change of clothes, and left the rest of their belongings behind.
- Civil Defence has opened up a local hall for residents who need to evacuate, and Welch and her partner are currently staying with her father.
Introduction to the Flood
The recent flooding in Coromandel has left many residents in a state of shock and awe. For Jazmyn Welch, the experience was particularly harrowing. She was rescued by kayak from the deck of her home in Kūaotunu, north of Whitianga, after it was surrounded by neck-deep, fast-moving floodwaters. The flooding was so severe that it was worse than anything she had experienced before, including Cyclone Gabrielle. Welch described the scene as "pitch black" and "pretty, pretty scary," with water rushing all around her and her partner, Holly.
The Rescue Effort
The rescue effort was swift and efficient, thanks to Welch’s father, John, who is a volunteer firefighter. When Welch called her father’s partner for help, they quickly organised a kayak and John paddled through the treacherous waters to reach the stranded women. He took them to safety one at a time, paddling through trees to the nearest dry land about 100 metres away. Welch described the experience as "crazy," with the water getting higher and higher as they were on the phone to her father’s partner. The current was so strong that their barbecue and gas bottle were swept away, and their backyard was completely underwater.
Preparations and Evacuation
Despite the severity of the flooding, Welch and her partner were able to prepare for the worst. They had moved their cars to higher ground the night before, and they had stacked their belongings on high shelves and on top of the beds. They also blocked any gaps under the doors as best they could. When they were rescued, they took only essential items, such as car keys, passports, and a change of clothes, in dry bags provided by the fire brigade. They left the rest of their belongings behind, unsure of what the future held. Welch and her partner are currently staying with her father, but Civil Defence has opened up Kūaotunu Hall for other residents who need to evacuate.
Aftermath and Concerns
The aftermath of the flooding has left Welch and her partner shaken. They are currently safe and dry at her father’s house, but they are praying that the water does not go inside their home. With more rain expected overnight, they are unsure of what the future holds. Welch described the experience as "the craziest thing I’ve ever seen," and she is grateful to be alive. The flooding has also raised concerns about the severity of the weather in the region, with some residents questioning whether they are prepared for such extreme events. As the community comes to terms with the damage, it is clear that the flooding in Coromandel will have a lasting impact on the region.
Community Response
The community response to the flooding has been swift and supportive. Civil Defence has been working tirelessly to evacuate residents and provide shelter and support to those in need. The opening of Kūaotunu Hall has provided a safe haven for residents who have been displaced, and many are grateful for the support. Welch’s story is just one of many, and it highlights the importance of community and resilience in the face of adversity. As the region begins to recover from the flooding, it is clear that the community will come together to support each other and rebuild. The experience has been traumatic, but it has also brought the community closer together, and it will be remembered for years to come.
