Children, screaming and covered in mud, were caught in the rubble of at least three homes damaged in a Tauranga landslide last night.
A landslide crashed into homes on Egret Ave in the Tauranga suburb of Maungatapu about midnight after torrential rain hit the North Island, causing devastating floods in Auckland and landslips across the Auckland region, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
Twenty-four homes have since been evacuated due to the large slip. Fire and Emergency services have also attended 63 callouts in the Bay of Plenty over the weekend, including two rescues, two “priority one” incidents, where there is a confirmed risk to people, and 23 “priority two” incidents, where there is a potential risk to people.
Egret Ave residents said they heard a massive rumble that sounded like thunder, then screams.
Sue said the slip happened about 11.45pm last night. All she heard was a massive boom, then she went to investigate.
“I could smell dirt, like lawn. Dave said there was a second slip, and he saw trees sliding down the bank.”
Resident Rebecca Hayes, whose house was also damaged in the slip, said luckily she had told her son Campbell to sleep upstairs, as she was worried about him sleeping in the back room.
“There was a huge rumble like an earthquake. I can’t describe the noise. I got out of bed and was standing in the rain outside my bedroom. The front door was gone, and the garage, with all our cars, including speedway cars - they are munted and toast. We are so grateful to be alive. I was shocked when I went outside - one of the kids from next door was buried. We were so worried.”
Campbell Hayes said he was awake upstairs playing his Xbox when he heard a big crack and the power went off.
His brother Mikaere, who was in the room next to the garage, said he was asleep and just thought it was people banging about upstairs.
A Tauranga City Council media statement said the residents of the evacuated homes were staying with friends and family while damage is assessed today.
“One house has suffered severe damage and two others have been significantly impacted.”
Police confirmed no one was seriously injured.
Council building inspectors and Geotech engineers are onsite evaluating the damage and assessing the safety of the area.
Tauranga City Council commission chairwoman Anne Tolley said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected and the residents who have been evacuated from their homes.”
“Though the rain has eased, we’re not out of the woods yet and I want to reiterate the message to please stay away from any flooded areas.
“The water may look calm, but those conditions can change really quickly, with devasting consequences.
“Thank you to all those working to keep our communities safe.”
Available support
Accommodation support
In the first instance, affected residents should contact their insurance companies and check policies for emergency accommodation cover, as residents will need to pay or make arrangements with their insurers for payment for short-term accommodation. If your property is a rental, contact your property manager or landlord.
Financial support
Contact the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009 or through their website: www.workandincome.govt.nz.