Key Takeaways:
- A grandmother and her 10-year-old grandson survived a devastating flood in their East Coast community by fleeing to higher ground.
- The flood destroyed their property and left them with a massive cleanup effort.
- The community has come together to support affected families, with Givealittle pages set up to help with recovery efforts.
- The grandmother, Philippa Wright, is grateful for the support and love from her community, but acknowledges that many others are also in need of help.
- The flood has highlighted the importance of community and the need for support during times of crisis.
Introduction to the Flood
The recent flood in the East Coast community has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with many families affected by the disaster. One such family is that of Philippa Wright, who fled the rising floodwaters with her 10-year-old grandson. Wright described the experience as "extremely lucky" and said that they were fortunate to have escaped with their lives. The floodwaters brought with them massive logs and debris, which have ended up on the Wrights’ property, causing significant damage.
The Night of the Flood
As the rain came down on January 21, Wright and her grandson sat in their car, poised to evacuate. Her husband, Steve, monitored the water levels from inside their tiny home, while Wright periodically flicked the headlights on to watch the water. The property, which had been a bare paddock with some trees when they bought it five years ago, had been transformed into an off-the-grid dream home. However, the floodwaters changed everything, with the Punaruku Stream, which was normally a small trickle, becoming a raging torrent. Wright’s neighbors warned her that the stream was climbing up the bridge, and she knew that they had to act fast.
The Escape
Wright’s neighbors told her that the stream was climbing up the bridge, and she knew that they had to get out. She yelled at Steve to "get the hell out of there" as she saw the wall of water, logs, and debris coming towards them. Steve escaped with the dog out the back, while Wright and her grandson found a "pocket" at the base of the hill. However, they were trapped, with slips in front of them and the bridge impassable behind them. They spent a sleepless night, shuffling backwards and forwards to avoid the slips and debris. Wright’s neighbors, the Ngatai family, were also trapped, and Wright was able to flash her headlights at them to let them know that she could see them.
The Aftermath
The next morning, the Ngatai family, including their three-year-old child, were evacuated by helicopter. Wright and her family were left to survey the damage, which was "total devastation." Their property was destroyed, and they were faced with a massive cleanup effort. However, the community has come together to support them, with a Givealittle page set up to help with their recovery. Wright was surprised and humbled by the support, and she acknowledged that there were many others who needed help. She also praised the Hinerupe Marae, where she had been taken in and looked after, saying that the people there were "very beautiful" and had made her feel loved.
The Community Comes Together
The flood has highlighted the importance of community and the need for support during times of crisis. Wright’s story is just one of many, and the community has come together to support affected families. The Givealittle pages set up for the Ngatai and Wright families have received numerous donations and messages of support. Wright’s daughter set up the page for her parents without telling them, and Wright was touched by the gesture. The community’s response has shown that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and always someone willing to help. As Wright said, "In these times, just a hug’s all you need." The community’s support has given her and her family the strength to carry on and rebuild their lives.
