Dozens of BOP families cannot return to homes

Dozens of families have received the worst possible news in the wake of the devastating floods which struck the Bay of Plenty last week - they will never be able to return to their homes.

It has been confirmed at least 93 homes have been seriously damaged by the flooding. Around half have been deemed too dangerous to go back into, or in imminent danger with the possible threat of more heavy rain today.

A welfare centre was set up at the hardest hit area of Matata, west of Whakatane, yesterday morning.

The area was still under a state of emergency last night and police were patrolling the area to stop looters.

A full report on the disaster will be presented to Cabinet tomorrow.

Prime Minister Helen Clark has already promised financial assistance, particularly for infrastructure repairs.

She has also indicated rental and suspensory loan packages will be made available through the Housing Corporation for uninsured owners who have lost their homes or had them damaged.

The Insurance Council has estimated at least 2000 claims are likely to be filed, making it the most costly flood in the Bay.

The total repair bill is expected to add up to tens of millions of dollars.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY