The clean-up after days of heavy rain and widespread flooding has begun as the Ruapehu district counts the cost of the damage.
Ruapehu District Council has warned of health risks from floodwater, and key state highways remain closed after the rain left roads damaged and small settlements cut off.
Early indications suggest roading repairs will cost millions of dollars.
The council has stepped down its emergency response, downgrading its Emergency Operations Centre to Level 1 and signalling that the immediate emergency has passed.
Civil Defence controller Clive Manley said the recovery would take time and caution was still needed.
"Calls for welfare assistance have dropped off, but we’re still providing support where needed," Manley said. "Anyone who needs help should contact council on 07 895 8188. For any emergency or life-threatening situations, call 111."
Flooding from the Ōhura and Ongarue rivers and the Mangaroa Stream hit Ōhura, Matiere, Tokirima, and Waimiha particularly hard.
Several families self-evacuated as waters rose, and one home at Okahukura, near the Ongarue River, took on water.
Council welfare teams have been supporting affected residents, many of whom have sheltered with whānau, friends or neighbours while waiting for floodwaters to recede.
Health warning for flood-affected properties
Residents returning home are being urged to take precautions when cleaning up. Manley said floodwaters may be contaminated and pose serious health risks.
"All floodwater is potentially contaminated from such things as septic tanks, animal faecal matter, farm chemicals, road run-off. People and animals should avoid contact with flood waters if possible."
He said anyone involved in clean-up should wear rubber gloves, boots and eye protection, and said any food or drink that may have come into contact with floodwater should be thrown out. Hands should be thoroughly washed after clean-up work.
Children should be kept away from flood-affected areas until properties are fully cleaned and dried out.
Millions in roading damage
The district’s transport network has taken a heavy hit. Council roading teams have begun inspecting road damage, bridges and other infrastructure, and assessing slips, dropouts and cracked surfaces across northern Ruapehu.
Ruapehu District Council said there was still "a lot of water" to come down through the catchment. (Source: Ruapehu District Council) (Source: Supplied)
Floodwaters have also left thick layers of silt, logs and debris on many roads.
A second roading engineer has been brought in by the council’s professional services contractor to assist with the extensive assessments required.
Manley said the immediate goal was to reopen at least one lane of access wherever possible before planning long-term reconstruction.
"Crews are working hard to clear slips and repair damage as quickly as possible.
"People are asked to take extreme care when driving around the district with a lot of large vehicles and other heavy equipment on the roads as part of the recovery efforts."
Residents are being encouraged to report new damage or closures to the council and to check updates at ruapehudc.govt.nz or the council’s Facebook page.
Local roads still closed
As of Friday morning, Kokomiko, Takiri, Tapuiwahine, Ongarue Back, Ongarue Stream, Poro-o-Tarao, Taringamotu, and Hohotaka roads remain closed. Some routes, such as Ongarue Back and Poro-o-Tarao roads, will stay shut while state highway 4 remains impassable.
Several other local roads – including Ohura Rd and Okahukura Saddle Rd – are open but only with caution, as surfaces remain slippery and unstable.
Travel in and out of the district remains difficult. Sections of state highways 3, 4 and 43 are still closed due to multiple slips, cutting off key connections north and south.
Motorists are advised to delay travel or check the NZTA Journey Planner before leaving.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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