Another flooded house on Leo St in Waihi. Photo/Melanie Camoin
Torrential rainfall created widespread flooding in the Waihi and Whiritoa areas.
The small community of Whiritoa woke up yesterday morning isolated after several slips on State Highway 25 either side of the beachside settlement left a number of people stranded in vehicles.
Some properties were flooded within the township and the local fire brigade evacuated affected people to the local surf lifesaving club.
Hauraki District Council contractors said they were working to clear the slips.
Several low-lying areas have also been flooded at Waihi Beach.
Other beach residents near Fergus Rd were also stuck at home after a bridge was blocked with debris. The road was cleared by midday.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council was on alert after part of the One Mile Creek bank collapsed leaving a building exposed. Contractors were carrying emergency work onsite.
In Waihi, the Barry Rd bridge at the east end of town was flooded and the road was closed.
Hauraki District Council said the bridge would need a structural inspection before it could be reopened.
Karangahake Gorge stayed open for most of the day despite the heavy rain and Waikato Regional Council said it was monitoring rising river levels. In the 24 hours to 4pm, over 118 mm of rain fell in the Ohinemuri catchment, including Karangahake Gorge and Waikino areas.