Some people were able to return to their flood-affected Wanganui homes yesterday but there are some city properties which have yet to be assessed. And it could be weeks before roading is cleared in remote areas.
Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye attended a briefing in the city yesterday morning before heading out to Waitotara in South Taranaki. "Obviously everyone is working hard to balance getting people into their homes with public safety," she said.
The situation in rural areas was becoming clearer by the day.
Roading around the wider region and in Rangitikei in particular have taken a hammering and Ms Kaye estimated 75 per cent of affected rural roads would be cleared within a month. "Clearing those roads is going to be a real priority to ensure those people get access. But again there are some parts of these roads that are really damaged." The Rangitikei District Council has asked rural property owners not to use affected roads for heavy truck haulage.
Wanganui mayor Annette Main said authorities were staying in touch with those in isolated communities.