An urgent appeal has gone out for essential supplies to be brought in to isolated flood-stricken communities on Wairarapa’s South Coast.
By Sue Teodoro of Local Democracy Reporting
A group of Lake Ferry locals are helping co-ordinate deliveries of food, water and medicines, possibly by air.
Hundreds of people enter their second day of being cut off after major damage to a key bridge.
Communities including Lake Ferry, Ngawi, Cape Palliser, Whāngaimoana and farming settlements were affected after their essential bridge over the Tūranganui River was seriously damaged in Monday’s flood.
The Tūranganui River bridge, just before Lake Ferry, is a key link with the township. (Source: 1News)
South Wairarapa District Council issued a statement on Tuesday saying repairs to the road would take longer than first expected.
"The Tūranganui River has overflowed near Te Rata Rd and changed direction. It is now flowing alongside the bridge and has washed away part of the road near the bridge support.
"Greater Wellington Regional Council is working to move the river back to its original path. This must be done before we can repair the damaged road.
"Our roading team is working with contractors and local businesses to gather materials and equipment so repairs can begin as soon as it is safe.
"We hope the river can be redirected today, which would allow road repairs to begin tomorrow. We expect to have a clearer update tomorrow on when repairs will be completed and when the road may reopen."
The council has asked people to stay away from the area.
"It is not safe for the public, and this will allow contractors to focus on the work."
Resident Vicky Prout was one of those helping organise logistics for the emergency drop of food, water and other essentials.
“They are trying to get access through one of the farms, and if that doesn’t work they will use a helicopter,” she said.
Prout said about six homes in Whāngaimoana had no water pumps because the power was out, and needed water.
“They need enough water for a few days at least.
“Water is an essential.
“Then it’s mostly milk, bread, butter, pet food and things like chocolate for the kids.”
Prout said some needed more than others.
“We have an elderly lady whose medicine runs out on Friday. Separately, a family has come down to their bach - they have no supplies and they need the basics to get them through.
“There are 11 people at the campsite who are OK.”
The one-lane bridge just before Lake Ferry over the the Tūranganui River was damaged when the river breached its banks. It was an essential link to both the small lakeside settlement and other coastal communities, including the iconic fishing village of Ngawi and the Cape Palliser lighthouse.
On Tuesday morning, a South Wairarapa District Council spokesperson said the council was working on fixing the damage as soon as possible
In addition to the Lake Ferry bridge, Cape Palliser Rd is closed due to flood damage, as is the bridge that crosses the Hurupi Stream on Cape Palliser Rd.
People who need supplies to be brought in with the deliveries should email lakeferryinfo@gmail.com
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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