A local state of emergency has been lifted for the remote King Country settlement of Ōhura, though residents face a grueling recovery process after devastating floodwaters swept through the town. While the official emergency declaration has ended, many locals remain displaced from their homes a week after the deluge.
A Harrowing Escape
The flooding struck in the early hours of last Sunday morning, creating an “absolutely horrifying” ordeal for the community. Some residents were forced to escape through chest-high waters to reach safety.
Ruapehu civil defence controller Clive Manley noted that while some people were trapped in their vehicles and several cars were lost, no injuries were reported. Manley described the experience of reaching a safe place as “extremely harrowing” for those affected.
Extensive Property and Agricultural Loss
The scale of the damage is significant, with approximately 50 homes damaged and six rendered completely uninhabitable. For those most affected, the flooding destroyed essential belongings, including furniture and whiteware.
The impact extended beyond the town center to local farms. Manley reported that some farms lost access due to slips, suffered damaged fences and experienced stock loss.
The Path to Recovery
Recovery efforts are currently focused on returning residents to safe housing. The council has been pumping out septic tanks and installing de-humidifiers to dry out sodden floors and carpets.
Residents have spent the past week scraping silt and sludge from their properties and searching for animals that disappeared in the floodwaters. Extensive roading works are also required to repair slips throughout the network.
Financial Aid and Next Steps
The council is currently assessing the total cost of the damage and the recovery required. While the mayoral relief fund is active, the government has been asked to contribute to the fund, though it has not yet commented on whether it will do so.
Manley has also appealed to the general public for donations to help replace destroyed clothing and whiteware. Depending on the response, additional community support may be necessary to assist those who have “lost everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How many homes were damaged in the Ōhura flooding?
About 50 homes were damaged, with six of those being uninhabitable.
Were there any casualties during the event?
No one was injured, although some people were trapped in cars and several vehicles were lost.
What specific help is the council providing to residents?
The council has installed de-humidifiers to dry out homes and has been pumping out septic tanks.
How can remote communities better prepare for the risk of becoming completely cut off during extreme weather events?
