Disaster 'biggest since Napier'

By ELIZABETH BINNING

The flooding which has caused around $100 million damage in the lower North Island has been described as the worst natural disaster since the Napier earthquake in 1931.

A state of emergency remains in the Manawatu-Wanganui region.

Transfund estimates it will cost about $20 million to repair damaged roads and bridges in the Manawatu district.

More than 100 homes in the Rangitikei district have been declared uninhabitable and 40 in Hutt City are in the same state.

Water supplies are limited in regions such as Stanway-Halcombe and Waituna West in the Manawatu, and the supply is not expected to be reconnected for several days.

Stock losses are still being counted, but it is estimated about 1000 animals have perished in the Horowhenua and Manawatu districts so far.

Federated Farmers chief executive Tony St Clair estimates up to 20,000 animals have been rescued and sent away to be cared for by others in the wider farming region.

Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton last night visited flooded areas and said the flooding had caused widespread damage on a scale not seen for many years in New Zealand, possibly since the Napier earthquake, which claimed 256 lives.

"Officials are indicating that the scale of this natural disaster is the largest since the Napier earthquake. There is not the loss of life, fortunately, but in terms of infrastructural damage, roading, bridges, sewerage, water, land and livelihood."

However, Civil Defence director John Norton said the two disasters could not be compared on any level, and the damage causing by this flooding was more like that inflicted by Cyclone Bola in 1988.

"The comparisons with Napier are not relevant. It's a completely different disaster, different level of impact. That was a city that was destroyed with more than 200 people killed. This is a major flooding event which is having a big impact on the rural community."

As Cabinet ministers meet today to look at ways of helping flood-stricken regions, thousands of victims are still struggling to come to terms with the devastation.

Intense rain and galeforce winds caused extensive flooding and wind damage, especially in Manawatu and Wanganui. Hurricane-force winds on Saturday night did little to help the clean-up operation.

Today, a week after the flooding started, around 1000 people remain homeless. Dozens of roads are still inaccessible, power and telephones are out in several remote areas and the freight line between Marton and New Plymouth is expected to stay closed for at least a week.

Mr Anderton and Prime Minister Helen Clark are expected to report back to their colleagues today on what they saw during the weekend.

The Cabinet will receive a paper outlining initiatives from senior advisers on the best way to help flooded areas.

While the details of that paper are not yet known, Mr Anderton said it was obvious funding and support would be required by the grief-stricken communities.

"There is no doubt now that we are staring down the barrel of a very significant natural disaster.

"We have major infrastructural repair bills to meet. The local communities will be unable to face the cost on their own."

Mr Norton said the main concern now was trying to get a clear picture of the damage and to identify the greatest need for recovery.

Of the 1000 people still classified as evacuees, most had found alternative accommodation, but 25 were living at a school.

At least half the roads in Manawatu and Wanganui had been damaged and dozens of bridges destroyed. About 500 homes were yesterday without power, but most were expected to be restored by today.

Mr Norton said recovery efforts would focus on three main areas - helping the rural farming sector; restoring infrastructure and primary rural roads; and dealing with welfare, housing and health issues.

Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan said the estimated $100 million damage figure could easily rise as a number of large commercial claims had yet to be formalised.

As members of the Army and Fire Service moved in to help with the massive clean-up, many insurance assessors were yesterday still trying to get to remote areas to assess damage.

It was hoped another burst of heavy rain forecast for tonight would not hinder the process.


WEATHER WATCH

What's in store

The MetService forecasts a further deluge in the ranges above the flood-sodden areas from tonight - the last heavy rain before a period of settled weather later in the week. About 200mm of rain is expected to fall on the upper slopes of Mt Taranaki and 100mm in the Tararua Ranges. The low may also bring severe gales to Hawkes Bay and northern Wairarapa today.

Helplines and assistance

Red Cross appeal, $20 donation - 0900 33200

Paul Holmes flood relief fund, $10 donation - 0900 51111

Government information helpline - 0800 779 997

Federated Farmers helpline - 0800 Farming