Key Takeaways:
- A deadly storm has ripped across the North Island, causing widespread flooding and damage in Te Araroa, north of Gisborne.
- Over 60 people have been evacuated to welfare centers and marae, and more than 250 homes are without power.
- Sections of State Highway 35 have been closed due to flooding and slips, leaving coastal communities cut off.
- A family of seven was forced to take refuge on their roof to escape floodwaters, and were later helicoptered to safety.
- The region remains under a State of Emergency, with the priority being to restore access to isolated communities.
Introduction to the Storm
The North Island has been hit by a deadly storm, causing widespread flooding and damage in Te Araroa, north of Gisborne. The storm, which began on Wednesday evening, has necessitated evacuations and left many without power. The Gisborne District Council has reported that communities around Te Araroa, Onepoto, and Wharekahika have been the worst hit, with over 60 people taking refuge in welfare centers and marae.
The Family’s Ordeal
A family of seven, including five children, was forced to take refuge on their roof to escape the floodwaters. Huia Ngatai, the mother, described the terrifying experience, saying that she and her children were convinced they were going to die. The family had been monitoring the water levels, but the creek nearby quickly became a torrent, and their escape window rapidly closed as their vehicles floated away. They were forced to scramble onto their roof, where they huddled together for warmth, as the floodwaters raged around them.
Damage and Destruction
The storm has caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in the area. Four homes and the Hicks Motel have been damaged, and formal building assessments are yet to be carried out. Residents have described the thunderous sound of the hillside giving way, with one resident, Kevin Brooking, saying that he heard over a dozen slips coming down just a few hundred meters from his home. The level of destruction has been shocking, with Brooking saying it is "20-times" worse than the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.
Response and Relief Efforts
The region remains under a State of Emergency, with the priority being to restore access to isolated communities. The Gisborne District Council and Tairāwhiti Emergency Management are working to provide support and relief to those affected. Sections of State Highway 35 have begun to reopen, but coastal communities between Pōtaka near Hick’s Bay and Tikitiki remain cut off. The council is working to restore power to the affected areas, and welfare centers and marae are providing shelter and support to those in need.
Community Response
The community has come together to support those affected by the storm. Tash Wanoa, Te Araroa Community Link for Tairāwhiti Civil Defence, said that she and others did their best to comfort and reassure the family over the phone, telling them that help would come as soon as possible. The family has since been helicoptered to safety and is being looked after by whānau. The experience has been traumatic, with Ngatai-Hawtin saying that it will be a long road to recovery for the family, who have lost everything.
Conclusion
The storm that hit Te Araroa has caused widespread damage and destruction, with many families affected. The community has come together to support those in need, and relief efforts are underway to restore access to isolated communities and provide support to those affected. The region remains under a State of Emergency, and the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. As the community begins to recover and rebuild, it is clear that the effects of the storm will be felt for a long time to come.
