Residents in storm-hit Northland communities were getting sick as they clean up silt and mud from last week’s flooding, according to one resident.
Whirinaki in South Hokianga was among the Far North communities badly hit, with at least half a metre of floodwater covering the valley floor on Thursday.
Nine Whirinaki families’ homes were flooded and could not be lived in, including two with children with disabilities who need extra support, said Green MP Hūhana Lyndon, who had been onsite.
One of those homes burnt down this morning, in a fire suspected to have been caused by water-damaged wiring, she said.
Fire and Emergency was called about 2.30am, and crews from Rawene and Omapere were onsite for four hours controlling the blaze, shift manager Paul Radden said.
Fire investigator Jason Goffin said the house was totally destroyed in the fire.
A cause was still being investigated, with an electrical fault a possibility, but it was not suspicious, he said.
Lyndon said the nine families needed emergency support and the Government was providing help.
Far North District Council set up an incident management team in Whirinaki today, and focused on the impacted communities of Mitimiti, Pawarenga, Panguru, Kaitāia and Takahue.
The area recorded 303.5mm of rain in 48 hours, on March 25 and 26. The rain fell most intensely at 3pm on Thursday, March 26, coinciding with high tide, according to Northland Regional Council records for Waimamaku.
Whirinaki resident Charles Wikaira said when the high tide came up, the river burst its banks, running over the road and over the whole plateau.
One kuia evacuated her house and it was “obliterated” by water, he said.
“People don’t realised how bad it actually is but there are houses without running water, houses without flush toilets because their sewage system is out and, after the house fire, we realise that houses should be checked by an electrician.”
Wikaira’s house was not impacted by the floodwaters because it was built up high but his mechanic’s business was damaged after half a metre of water ran through his workshop.
Despite support from Whirinaki Trust and local marae Moria and Whakarongotai, everyone in the community was stressed and tired, he said.
Silt covered everything and a couple of people who had been cleaning up the silt and residue dust had since become sick, Wikaira said.
“The problem is that people handle it like dirt but it’s contaminated. I think moving forward, we need to be educated on what’s in the silt, because lots of houses are on their own septic system.
“It doesn’t wash away. When it dries, it becomes dust and airborne.”
Wikaira said residents were pleased to see Civil Defence the day after the flooding and had been told about the Far North District Council’s Mayoral Relief Fund.
Civil Defence Northland advised people cleaning up after the floods to wear a certified respirator, goggles, gloves, protective clothing covering arms and legs, and sturdy footwear.
People cleaning up outside should check for underground utilities before digging, stay away from flooded areas and waterways, and take care around damaged trees.
Those cleaning up silt should clear an area around their house, leaving the silt on their property until it can be disposed of properly.
A Givealittle page was set up so people could make donations to support whānau as they rebuild their lives. More than $4000 was donated by 9am Tuesday.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.