Key Takeaways:
- A group of families on a camping trip in New Zealand were caught off guard by a sudden and severe flood that swept through their campsite, destroying their belongings and leaving them stranded.
- The floodwaters rose quickly, with some families reporting water levels rising from ankle-deep to knee-deep in a matter of minutes.
- The families were forced to evacuate their tents and seek higher ground, with some having to rip holes in their tents to escape.
- The floodwaters carried away debris, including tables, chairs, barbecues, and bikes, and contaminated the families’ belongings with sewage.
- The families were left stranded due to a landslip and had to rely on the kindness of local residents for shelter and assistance.
Introduction to the Flood
The camping trip was supposed to be a fun and relaxing getaway for the three Kerikeri families. However, their excitement was short-lived as a severe flood swept through their campsite in the early hours of Sunday. The floodwaters rose quickly, catching the families off guard and leaving them to scramble for safety. Bekki Mills, one of the campers, described the scene as "like being in a river" with water rushing through the campsite and debris swirling everywhere.
The Flood’s Impact
The floodwaters had a devastating impact on the families’ belongings. Mills reported that her handbag was swept away and later found on the beach, while other equipment was buried in mud or carried away by the floodwaters. The families’ tents were also severely damaged, with some being ripped apart by the force of the water. The floodwaters also contaminated the families’ belongings with sewage, making them unusable. The loss of some of the children’s Christmas presents, including a cherished origami book from a grandma in England, was particularly heartbreaking.
The Families’ Response
Despite the chaos and destruction, the families remained calm and worked together to ensure everyone’s safety. Mills and her husband had to rip a hole in their tent to escape, while another family had to open up the side of their tent to get their children out. The families also worked together to haul their debris out of the flow and chuck it onto their trailers. However, with most of their belongings ruined and no dry clothes to change into, the families were keen to get home. Unfortunately, they soon discovered that they were trapped in the area due to a landslip.
The Aftermath
The families were left stranded and had to rely on the kindness of local residents for shelter and assistance. A couple in a nearby house took them in until the road reopened about 2.30pm. The families were grateful for the couple’s kindness, describing it as "amazing." However, they were disappointed by the lack of response from the campground staff, who were nowhere to be seen during the flood. The families’ emails and phone calls to the campground were also left unanswered, leaving them feeling frustrated and abandoned.
Conclusion
The flood was a traumatic experience for the families, but they were grateful to have made it out safely. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected weather events and having a plan in place in case of an emergency. It also showcases the kindness and generosity of the local community, who came together to support the families in their time of need. As the families reflect on their experience, they are reminded of the importance of appreciating the little things in life and being grateful for the safety and well-being of their loved ones.
