Residents from 229 flood-affected properties in Edgecumbe can return home from midday. Photo/File
Residents from 229 flood-affected properties in Edgecumbe can return home from midday. Photo/File
Residents from the 229 flood-affected properties in Edgecumbe Zone 4 will be able to return to their properties from midday today.
Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne said it was going to be a hard day for people as they went back to their homes most of which had sustained moderate to serious damage.
"We feel for the people returning to their homes today. Many of them will need alternative accommodation for the medium to long-term as their homes are repaired.
General view of some of the worst damage done to houses by the flooding in Edgecumbe. Photo/Alan Gibson.
"We are putting in support to ensure that the people of Edgecumbe have the information and networks to help them through this difficult time," he said.
People living on Tawhara Pl, Titoki Pl, Puriri Cres, Rata Ave, Hinau Pl, Matipo Pl, Bridge St, Rata Ave, College Rd (from Bridge St to Edgecumbe College) will have access back into the area from noon.
General view of some of the worst damage done to houses by the flooding in Edgecumbe. Photo/Alan Gibson.
Residents are being asked to go to the check-in points - at the northern and southern ends of Main St - where their details will be quickly checked and they will be provided with a support information pack before they access their homes.
174 homes in Zone 4 have been yellow stickered which means they have suffered damage and are not yet safe to be permanently occupied however people are able to return to begin the clean-up.
Support and information services are available at Edgecumbe Hall Contact Centre for residents. There are a range of agencies and support services that are available to residents.
Although water is restored to much of Edgecumbe, Whakatane Civil Defence are continuing to ask people to conserve water as the network remains fragile, and a boil-water notice remains in place.
There will be tankers in Edgecumbe providing drinking water and we are asking people to bring their own containers.
Around 120 volunteers are expected in the area to help residents who returned yesterday. A total of nearly 500 people have registered as volunteers to support the ongoing clean-up effort in Edgecumbe.
There are 229 houses in Zone 4. See cordon map here.
-14 are red stickered -174 are yellow stickered - 41 are white stickered (safe to occupy)
