Cyclone Vaianu: Clean-up in full swing as evacuated residents return to coastal Ōhope homes

The Storbecks, including Coco Storbeck, 15, Quinn Storbeck, 9, Taimi Storbeck, 13, mother Vera Storbeck and Paia Storbeck, 9, begin the clean-up in front of their Ōhope beachfront home on Monday after Cyclone Vaianu. Photo / Mike Scott

Residents were busy sweeping sand and debris from beachfront properties in Ōhope this morning after ex-tropical cyclone Vaianu buffeted the coastal settlement on Sunday.

At the western end of the beach, those clearing driveways said they were relieved the damage remained outside their homes, despite mixed feelings about the weekend evacuation order.

Vera Storbeck, who lives in a beachfront home with her husband and four children, was happy to evacuate on Friday night.

The evacuation order was valid “because you never know”, she told the Herald.

The family spent the weekend in a Whakatāne motel after Storbeck’s husband, who was on call at Whakatāne Hospital, needed to remain nearby. Conditions intensified on Sunday afternoon. “The winds were impressive and scary,” she said.

The family returned home about 6.30am today after neighbours who stayed behind shared photos showing the storm surge had come up to the front of properties but did not flood the houses.

Storbeck said it was their first cyclone since moving into the property a year ago.

While the family had experienced Cyclone Gabrielle while living in Tauranga, this was their first major storm at the beachfront site.

She said the children were frightened by the uncertainty of the event but were helping with the clean-up on Monday morning.

Quinn Storbeck, 9 (from left), Vera Storbeck and Paia Storbeck, 9, begin the clean-up in front of their Ōhope beachfront home on Monday after Cyclone Vaianu. Photo / Mike Scott

When evacuating, the family packed lightly, taking clothes, food, water and important documents.

Four Square Ōhope Beach closed its doors about 10am Sunday after residents were asked to evacuate.

Store manager Tremaine Pompey remained on site to keep the generators running after the store lost power around midday, leaving it without electricity for seven hours.

Pompey said once the warning from civil defence and council came through, there was a “whole rush” of people.

“They [customers] were stocking up with water and whatnot, cans, just the essential items, but during the storm, it wasn’t too crazy, to be honest.”

He said Ōhope “definitely got hit” by wind and rain, with a few tree branches breaking off here and there.

“Rain was on and off, just little moments, little glimpses of torrential rain. It wasn’t non-stop, but the wind was howling; it was, definitely, the biggest factor in our storm.”

When asked if he thought an evacuation was needed, Pompey said: “In hindsight, probably not”.

“But when you’re looking ahead of time, then yeah, I think it’s probably necessary to put it out there.”

NZME contacted several businesses in West End and Ōhope that were evacuated or advised to do so, with most saying warnings were “well organised” and the council had done extensive planning.

One West End resident, who left the area on Saturday and returned late Sunday night and did not want to be named, said she was “more than happy” to follow the rules and evacuate.

“It could have been way worse, but it’s one of those things you just have to kind of do.

“I thought we had a pretty positive experience, it was well organised, it was all as planned and as predicted from the MetService warnings and from the council.”

Council update

In an update on its Facebook page, Whakatāne District Council said the evacuation centre at the Whakatāne War Memorial is now closed and Rangitihi Marae would be closing at noon.

“Thank you to our staff, volunteers, Kopeo Indian Restaurant and Rangitahi Marae for the aroha and care you showed those in need.”

The council said kerbside collections from Herepuru Rd, Manawahe Rd, Braemar Rd, East Bank Rd, Wano Rd and Mclean Rd are currently unable to be picked up because of road closures.

“If bins are not picked up by the end of today, residents may put one extra black bag next to their bin on the following collection day.”

Multiple roads across the district remain closed or affected by debris after severe weather, with slips, fallen trees and downed powerlines causing widespread disruption.

The council said crews are working through damage assessments and clean‑ups, but motorists are urged to avoid closed roads and drive with care where access is restricted.

The Whakatāne Boat Ramp is closed because of debris. “We’ll keep you updated as to when it has been cleared and reopened,” the council said.

Roads closed

The following roads are closed because of slips, fallen trees, stormwater damage or downed powerlines:

Herepuru Rd; Arawa Rd; Rewatu Rd; Galatea Rd; Manawahe Rd (near Bay of Plenty Sun Camp); Braemar Rd (near No 415); McLean Rd (near No 351); East Bank Rd; Willow Lane; Tahuna Rd; Fortune Rd; Moody Rd (near No 113); Banksia Lane; Cross Rd, Rūātoki (near No 27); Apanui Ave (near No 25–30); Western Drain Rd; Wano Rd (near No 15B); Reid Rd (near No 516); Foxglove; Raroa Rd; Grieve Rd (near No 629); Lowe Rd (near No 19); Hogg Rd (near No 215); West End Rd (private road, near No 64 and 71); Stevens Rd; Maraetōtara Rd; Stanley Rd (Waimana Gorge end, slip near No 1081).

One‑lane or restricted access

A number of roads are open with restrictions, mostly because of fallen trees, debris or streetlights:

Main St, Edgecumbe; Stewart St; Douglas St (near No 27); Awatapu Drive (near No 62); Hinemoa St; James St; Martin Place; Matahi Rd (near No 551); Thompson Cres; Farnsworth Cres; George St; Alexander Ave; Powell Rd/Ōkahu Rd intersection; Ferry Rd (footpath blocked); Hillcrest Rd (debris on road).

Roads reopened or passable

The following roads are currently open, though some still have residual issues such as cleared trees or debris:

Ōwhakatoro; Waimana Rd (tree near school); Waiewe Rd; Mokoroa Grove; Commerce St (streetlight on footpath, near No 180); Kohi Point Rd; Wainui Rd (near No 1219 and Paparoa Rd); Otarawairere Rd; Louvain/O’Rourke Place (streetlight blocking one lane); Carling Rd.

The council is asking residents to report hazards where it is safe to do so and to be patient as response crews continue work across multiple sites.