Key Takeaways:
- A severe weather event has caused widespread damage and flooding in the North Island, particularly in the East Coast region.
- Multiple families have been evacuated, and some are still cut off due to impassable roads and debris.
- The weather event has had a significant impact on local businesses, especially with Auckland Anniversary weekend approaching.
- Emergency services and civil defense are working to assess damage and provide aid to affected communities.
- Residents are advised to avoid swimming, fishing, or gathering shellfish in affected rivers and beaches for at least five days.
Introduction to the Weather Event
The East Coast region of the North Island has been severely affected by a recent weather event, with heavy rain and strong winds causing widespread damage and flooding. The storm has left many families stranded, with some still cut off due to impassable roads and debris. The weather event has also had a significant impact on local businesses, especially with Auckland Anniversary weekend approaching. According to Maree Brownlie, a resident of Te Araroa, the camping ground opposite her property has been "basically annihilated" and the roads are impassable due to slips and debris.
Damage and Flooding
The damage and flooding in the area are extensive, with homes surrounded by debris and water up to the windows. Brownlie reported that the slips along the road in Te Araroa are "not just a bit of debris" and will require large earthmoving equipment to shift. The road to Gisborne is also out, and many people are cut off, with some still sliding. The weather event has caused significant disruption to the community, with many residents struggling to access basic necessities. The Te Araroa-based Kai Kart Takeaway’s & Cafe is staying open to provide food to road workers, locals, and those in need.
Community Response
Despite the challenges, the community is coming together to support each other. Michael Martin, an employee at the Kai Kart, reported that locals are using horses and four-wheel drive vehicles to help clear debris and assist those in need. The Four Square store is also helping out Civil Defence with food packages and other essential items. The community’s response to the disaster has been impressive, with many residents pitching in to help their neighbors and support the relief efforts. The local state of emergency was declared at 5pm on Wednesday, and the council is working closely with emergency services to assess the damage and provide aid to affected communities.
Emergency Response
The emergency response to the weather event has been swift and effective, with civil defense and emergency services working together to evacuate families and provide aid to those in need. Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz praised the community’s response to the disaster, saying that they had done a great job of being proactive and supportive. The council has also set up an emergency center to provide assistance to those affected by the flooding. The Hikuwai River peaked at about 10m overnight, with rainfall around 20mm an hour at its height, and the area received just over 100mm of rain overnight.
Recovery Efforts
The recovery efforts are underway, with the council and emergency services working to assess the damage and clear debris from the roads. State Highway 35 between Okitu and Tolaga Bay has reopened, but the road remains closed from Tolaga Bay north to Pōtaka due to ongoing damage assessments. The council is urging residents to report any damage to infrastructure that needs to be checked, and to avoid swimming, fishing, or gathering shellfish in affected rivers and beaches for at least five days. The community is coming together to support each other, and the recovery efforts are expected to take some time. The council is working closely with local businesses to support them during this difficult time, especially with Auckland Anniversary weekend approaching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe weather event that affected the East Coast region of the North Island has caused significant damage and disruption to the community. However, the community’s response to the disaster has been impressive, with many residents pitching in to help their neighbors and support the relief efforts. The emergency response has been swift and effective, and the recovery efforts are underway. The council and emergency services are working together to assess the damage and provide aid to those in need, and the community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time.
