Cleanup operations continue in Wairoa and Haumoana after severe flooding forced hundreds to evacuate and left thousands without power on the East Coast.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!MetService lifted all weather warnings from Hawke’s Bay on Thursday morning, following a period of heavy rain and flooding that disrupted parts of the region. Wairoa and Haumoana remain in local states of emergency.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell held a media conference in Wairoa after surveying the damage. He reported that while floodwaters are receding, Wairoa is still in a state of emergency. Mitchell assured residents that they are not alone and promised continued support.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little expressed gratitude for Mitchell’s visit and a supportive call from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Little highlighted the town’s ongoing housing crisis, worsened by the latest flooding, with 200 homes still unliveable from Cyclone Gabrielle.
More than 400 wide-area assessments were conducted, revealing flood damage to 116 properties, each facing repair costs up to $150,000. The floodwaters infiltrated homes, damaging carpets and walls.Fire and Emergency New Zealand deployed specialist water crews and drones to survey the affected areas. The council expects to determine the exact number of properties impacted by the flooding later in the day.
Despite the challenges, the majority of businesses on Wairoa’s main street remained unaffected, though many others were impacted. Sue Wilson, Chair of the Wairoa Business Association, noted that lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle had helped businesses prepare for this event.
In Haumoana, local states of emergency continue for the Wairoa District and Heretaunga ward of the Hastings District due to coastal inundation. High tides and rain have compounded the flooding issues, with emergency services actively responding to the situation.
Hastings District Council maintained cordons around Haumoana to ensure safety, with ongoing remedial work on the sea crest. Despite the challenging conditions, state highways connecting Napier, Wairoa, and Gisborne remain open, although State Highway 38 from Frasertown to Lake Waikaremoana is closed.
Mark Mitchell assured the community that all necessary support measures have been released and updates will be provided to the cabinet on Monday. He reiterated that the government is committed to aiding the affected communities through this crisis.- One news