Around a dozen homes north of Tolaga Bay have been evacuated as a precaution as heavy rain causes river levels to continue to rise around the Gisborne region.
Gisborne Civil Defence controller Jon Davies said the area between Ruatoria and Tolaga Bay is currently the worst affected after more than150mm of rain fell overnight.
"[The rain] has just eased, but it is quite regular and heavy and we're expected that is continue through to tomorrow.
While a couple of the homes are in danger of being flooded, the precautionary evacuation is being undertaken to ensure occupants do not get isolated and cut off.
"We expect the river to flood the flats because of the intensity of the water," he said.
He said staff were checking rivers around the region manually as the automatic equipment was down.
"The Uawa River at Willow Flat, just north of Tolaga Bay, was close to nine metres late this morning and we are expecting it to top 11 metres with at least another 150mm of rain expected through until tomorrow morning," said Mr Davies. "Thunderstorms are expected tomorrow afternoon.
Dozens of homes have also been without power today and several rural schools closed midway through the day.
"A lot of the rural schools are closed across the region and all of the children in the city who usually go by home by rural bus were being sent home early this afternoon," said Mr Davies.
East land Network was today working to restore power to homes from Lottin Point, Hicks Bay, Waikura Valley and Te Puia Springs through to Rakauroa, west of Gisborne city. People are asked to call 0800 206 207 to report any faults.
Several roads are closed including Tauwhareparae Road at Tolaga Bay and in the Ngatapa Valley, with more expected if the rain continues at the same level.
