Key Takeaways:
- A grandmother, Philippa Wright, and her 10-year-old grandson survived a devastating flood in Te Araroa, East Coast, by fleeing to higher ground.
- The flood destroyed their off-the-grid home and property, leaving them with significant damage and debris to clean up.
- The community has come together to support affected families, with volunteers and donations pouring in to help with the recovery efforts.
- Wright and her family are grateful for the support, but acknowledge that many others are also in need of help.
- The flood has highlighted the importance of community and the need for support and love during difficult times.
Introduction to the Disaster
The recent flood in Te Araroa, East Coast, has left a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake. For Philippa Wright, a grandmother who fled the rising floodwaters with her 10-year-old grandson, the experience has been overwhelming. Wright, her husband Steve, and their grandson were lucky to survive the storm that hit the township last week. As they begin the process of cleaning up and recovering from the disaster, Wright is struggling to come to terms with the scale of the destruction.
The Night of the Flood
As the rain came down on January 21, Wright and her grandson sat in the car, poised to evacuate. Her husband monitored the water levels from inside their tiny home, while Wright periodically flicked the headlights on to watch the water. The property, which they had worked hard to turn into their off-the-grid dream, was quickly becoming inundated with water and debris. As the night wore on, Wright’s neighbors told her that the nearby stream was climbing up the bridge, and the rain and water levels were becoming increasingly dangerous. Wright’s first instinct was to get her grandson to safety, and she yelled at her husband to "get the hell out of there" as the logs and debris came crashing towards them.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the flood has been devastating for Wright and her family. Their property is in total disarray, with logs and debris scattered everywhere. The community has come together to support affected families, with volunteers and donations pouring in to help with the recovery efforts. Wright’s neighbors, the Ngatai family, who survived the ordeal by escaping onto the roof of their house, have also received significant support. A Givealittle page dedicated to their recovery has received numerous donations and messages of support. Wright’s daughter has also set up a page for her parents, detailing what they have lost and the tough clean-up ahead.
The Importance of Community
Despite the devastation, Wright is grateful for the support of her community. She and her family have been well looked after at the Hinerupe Marae, where they evacuated to after the storm. The community’s response to the disaster has been overwhelming, with people coming together to offer help and support. Wright believes that this is what gets people through difficult times, and that sometimes, all you need is a hug. As the community begins the long process of recovery, it is clear that the support and love of those around them will be crucial in helping them to rebuild and heal.
The Road to Recovery
The road to recovery will be long and difficult for Wright and her family. The damage to their property is significant, and the clean-up efforts will take time and effort. However, with the support of their community, they are determined to rebuild and restore their off-the-grid home. Wright is humbled by the love and support of those around her, and is grateful for the donations and messages of support that have been pouring in. As they begin the process of rebuilding, Wright and her family are aware that they are not alone, and that many others are also in need of help. They are grateful for the support, but also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to support those affected by the flood.
Conclusion
The flood in Te Araroa has been a devastating disaster, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake. For Philippa Wright and her family, the experience has been overwhelming, but they are grateful for the support of their community. As they begin the long process of recovery, it is clear that the support and love of those around them will be crucial in helping them to rebuild and heal. The community’s response to the disaster has been overwhelming, and it is a testament to the power of love and support in times of need. As Wright said, "In these times, just a hug’s all you need."
