Te Karaka locals have banded together in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, keeping each others' spirits up despite many residents' houses being destroyed.
Five hundred people were evacuated on Tuesday from the small settlement, which lies inland of Gisborne.
For 27 hours they were stranded, with no communication and no idea whether anyone was coming to help.
However, the community spirit has prevailed, with many stepping up to help their neighbours.
Wendy Ruru-Higgins has been helping prepare food since she was evacuated.
"We're really lucky, we only got flooding underneath our house, but a lot of my whānau, they lost everything."
Ruru-Higgins told 1News it's been tough to stay strong.
"It's really hard to keep their spirits up as well... because they have nothing.
"I sort of feel guilty because I'm okay."
Large parts of Gisborne have been left with a damaged water supply, and no internet or phone coverage following Cyclone Gabrielle.
At least one person has lost their life in the town — their body was found as flood waters receded on the east coast.
SHARE ME