Mayor Tony Bonne says Edgecumbe residents won't be allowed back to their homes until at least tomorrow.
He says record high water levels of 8.3 metres have been recorded in the river which flows through the Bay of Plenty town.
Mayor Bonne says the evacuation is all about preserving life at this stage, with the 1,900 locals all being moved to Kawerau and Whakatane relief centres.
He says all work is being done between regional councils and Civil Defence to ensure no more damage occurs. Local jetboat owners assisted with the evacuation effort - getting everyone out of the dangerous zones by midday. The rest of the town was cleared by mid-afternoon, amidst fears about fragile floodbanks.
Mayor Bonne says the most difficult time will be when people are allowed back to their homes. He says he imagines a lof of locals will come out to support those who are worst affected.
