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Flood pumps were operating at Huntly College this morning, but principal Tim Foy is confident the school will re-open tomorrow.
Rising flood levels in the Waikato River forced the closure of Huntly College yesterday and the school was to be shut again today.
Stopbanks were put in place after the river burst its banks and badly flooded the college 10 years ago. The school and its grounds are lower than the river level.
Yesterday the high water table was forcing seepage through the ground, with mini lakes forming on the riverside of the school.
Today Mr Foy told Radio New Zealand it appeared the river had reached its peak and the situation was not as critical as it appeared yesterday.
"I'm confident we're ahead of the incoming tide as it were, we've flood pumps operating," he said.
Substantial areas of the college grounds were covered in water, but because the school had been closed, there were no sewage problems.
"The stopbank's doing its job fine," Mr Foy said.
Environment Waikato staff remained on high alert and were working around the clock to pump floodwaters away from affected areas.
The forecast for the week ahead is for rain to clear, providing welcome relief for all those affected by flooding.
- NZPA
