Matata roads open after landslides

Roads around Matata reopened yesterday after heavy rain caused landslides and disrupted traffic and telecommunications in the area on Saturday.

Slips had closed State Highway 2 north of the disaster-plagued Bay of Plenty town after 150mm of rain fell in 24 hours.

State Highway 33 between Rotorua and Whakatane was also closed.

The downpour left many residents fearing a repeat of the May 18 floods and landslides that destroyed homes and properties.

The Herald on Sunday reported that some townspeople were angry that temporary measures to prevent more flooding appeared to have failed.

But the Whakatane District Council and other authorities defended the measures, saying detailed planning was needed before long-term solutions to Matata's flooding woes could be found.