Around 500 people forced to evacuate parts of Kaitāia have begun returning to their homes after torrential rain caused rivers to swell and burst their banks, flooding homes and streets across the town.
The deluge dumped an estimated two months’ worth of rain in just 24 hours, with the impacts of the wider subtropical low prompting states of emergency to be declared in the Far North District and Whangārei District on Thursday.
A red heavy rain warning was in place for the east of Northland on Wednesday into Thursday.
Police said residents were evacuated from areas around Donald Rd, North Park Dr, Davis St and Matilda Pl, near the confluence of the Awanui and Pairatahi rivers, after rapidly rising water cut off access and inundated properties overnight on Thursday.
Among those evacuated were Margaret Tolloday and her husband, who described the ordeal as “pretty frightening”, as floodwaters rose faster than expected.
Initially, the couple weren't aware just how serious the situation was.
"At first we didn't know the banks had burst, so we were sitting up at home thinking, 'oh well, we'll just stay awake and see what happens'," Tolloday said.
Concern quickly escalated after a friend — who had earlier urged them to pack a bag — called again and told them to look outside.
"My husband stepped out and the water was up to his ankles," she told 1News.
"Then he walked down to the end of the driveway and it was up to his waist. That's when we realised it was pretty dire."
The fire brigade was called in to evacuate the pair using a Unimog vehicle, a moment Tolloday recalls with a touch of humour.
"A Unimog is great to climb into when you're about 20 or 21, but when you're a little bit older, it's a bit more difficult."
Further across the town, Pak’nSave Kaitāia said it was open to customers on Friday, although its customer carpark and fuel station remained flooded.
Rapid response teams, consisting of FENZ, Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) and council staff, were going door to door across the Far North District today.
Fire and Emergency NZ's Te Tai Tokerau Northland district commander Wipari Henwood said the latest weather event had taken a "real toll" on communities across the region.
"I want to give a huge thank you to all our volunteers who have been out in challenging conditions, and to their whānau who hold things down at home while they serve. Your dedication keeps our communities safe," he said.
"While it will take time to fully assess the damage left behind, and with more rain likely on Monday, we're not out of the woods yet. Please stay prepared, stay informed, and look out for one another."
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