A state of emergency continues in Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, following severe rain and winds that battered the East Coast.
On Wednesday, 400 properties, including 100 homes, suffered flooding, many for the first time.
Mayor Craig Little told state media that 75 residents sought shelter in the town’s evacuation centre last night. Efforts are underway to clear debris and restore road access, but significant infrastructure repairs are needed.
“It’s heartbreaking. These areas have never experienced flooding before,” Little commented.
The state of emergency will stay in effect until after the high tide, expected shortly after 9:30 am. Meanwhile, around 140 homes in Haumoana, southeast of Hastings, remain under an evacuation order.
Some of these poor souls have only just moved back in after cyclone Gabrielle 😥 Wairoa hammered again. pic.twitter.com/XsjbpqWOoi
— 5 Minute Muse (@5minutemuse) June 26, 2024
