Key Takeaways:
- A family of four spent a terrifying night on their roof as floodwaters raged around their home in Te Araroa on the East Cape.
- The family, including two children, experienced a traumatic event, with the water rising rapidly and the house creaking and moving beneath them.
- They were eventually airlifted to a clinic for a check-up and are now safe, but their home and property have been extensively damaged.
- The family is grateful for the support they have received and is still coming to terms with the traumatic event.
- The flooding in Te Araroa has caused widespread damage, with many homes and properties affected.
Introduction to the Traumatic Event
A family spent a terrifying night on their roof as floodwaters raged around their home at Te Araroa on the East Cape. Huia Ngatai, in a message to 1News, described the experience as "unlike anything we had ever experienced". The family, including two children, was forced to climb onto the roof of their home as the water rapidly rose, and they had to wait out the situation as emergency crews were unable to get to them. The speed, force, and unpredictability of the flooding left the family traumatized and deeply affected.
The Night of Terror
The family’s ordeal began when they went to check the bridge at the end of their property around 2am and noticed the water was unusually high. Historically, their land hadn’t flooded, so they were unaware of the danger that was approaching. After checking on their neighbors, they returned home with the intention of leaving for safety with their children, but it soon became obvious it wasn’t safe to leave. They got in touch with points of contact, who remained on the phone with them to provide reassurance. As the water continued to rise, the family was forced to climb onto the roof, where they spent five hours in torrential rain, listening to the sound of boulders crashing and trees cracking.
The Aftermath of the Flood
As the rain eased and daylight emerged, the river started to subside, revealing the devastation left behind. The family was shocked to see the extent of the damage, with thick silt everywhere, huge boulders just meters from the kitchen, debris scattered across the property, vehicles overturned, and water still gushing down both sides of the house. Once it was safe for the family to get off the roof, they headed for the road, where they were eventually airlifted to a clinic in Te Araroa for a check-up. The family is now safe, but their home and property have been extensively damaged, and they are still coming to terms with the traumatic event they experienced.
The Support and Relief
The family is grateful for the support they have received, and they are thankful to be alive. Family spokesperson Lizzy Ngatai-Hawtin said as a mother, she found it difficult to hear what they had gone through. "I can not express enough how relieved I am for them, and how relieved they must be." The family’s experience is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for unexpected events. The community has come together to support the family, and they are receiving the help they need to recover from their traumatic experience.
The Wider Impact of the Flooding
The flooding in Te Araroa has caused widespread damage, with many homes and properties affected. The community is still assessing the extent of the damage, and efforts are being made to support those who have been affected. The flooding has also highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for communities to be aware of the risks associated with extreme weather events. As the community begins to rebuild and recover, it is clear that the impact of the flooding will be felt for a long time to come.
Conclusion and Reflection
The family’s experience is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for unexpected events. The flooding in Te Araroa has caused widespread damage, and the community is still coming to terms with the aftermath. However, the support and relief efforts have been heartening, and the family is grateful to be alive. As they begin to rebuild and recover, they will never forget the terrifying night they spent on their roof, and they will always be grateful for the support they received during their time of need.
