Source: Radio New Zealand
Facebook / Tairāwhiti Civil Defence
Tairāwhiti Civil Defence says more than 25 military troops are expected to be on the ground in flood-damaged East Coast communities – Te Araroa and Wharekahika / Hicks Bay.
Several slips on State Highway 35 during last week’s storm has separated the townships from one another, and access into each remains restricted.
Civil Defence said it was working alongside Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou and the defence force to deliver emergency supplies to isolated communities on the coast, such as food, medicine, personal protective equipment, and cleaning gear.
It said the military were also providing vital information on where support is needed most.
Gisborne District Council’s Diana Dobson said medical drops were ongoing and on Thursday a doctor, nurse practitioner, and medical officer of health landed in Wharekahika / Hicks Bay – where an emergency shelter and water purification system had been set up at Hinemaurea Marae.
Facebook / Tairāwhiti Civil Defence
Speaking to RNZ from a busy Hinemaurea Marae, Ani Pahuru-Huriwai – of the Wharekahika/Potaka/Waikura flood relief team – said the community was doing well, all things considered.
“[We’re] thankful for the people that are worrying about us, we are okay, we’re very grateful for the support that we’ve been receiving from around the country.
“It has been devastating for us – heartbreaking seeing our paradise like this – but we will get through. We’re working together very well, and probably the silver-lining in all this is [that] everyone has come together.”
Pahuru-Huriwai said the focus now was on getting the community through the days ahead.
Dobson said a further 20 buildings were to undergo safety assessments in the coming days, with 14 properties red stickered and 17 given yellow stickers across Te Araroa, Onepoto and Hicks Bay.
She said internet access had been restored to all areas.
The New Zealand Defence Force has been approached for comment.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
