Emergency crews in the Eastern Bay are spending their second night rushing from job to job while heavy rain causes flooding in many parts of the region.
The deluge began about 5pm and has not let up.
Streets within Whakatane, Ohope and Kawerau are impassable with knee-deep water showing no sign of abating.
Water has gone through a number of shops on The Strand, especially near the round about beside George Street.