Rain easing, roads reopening

Flooded fields South of Te Karaka as the Waipaoa River bursts its' banks following heavy rain. Photo / NZPA

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Rain eased in Gisborne overnight and surrounding roads reopened after flooding and slips caused evacuations and cut off rural communities over the weekend.

The MetService said showers were expected in Gisborne, the Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay today, but the sustained heavy falls had finished.

A weather warning was issued for Coromandel where intermittent bursts could bring up to 40mm of rainfall.

Gisborne police said at this point they were only dealing with one flooded home and a few minor slips.

Rising waters had forced the rescue of 15 people to Gisborne yesterday, they were airlifted to safety after being trapped between two areas of flooding. Motorists attempting to travel to Gisborne from the Bay of Plenty were turned back as State Highway 2 was closed near Te Karaka, 32km north west of Gisborne.

North of Te Karaka more than 30 people were stranded at Waipaoa Station when water and debris buckled a bridge on the Waipaoa River.

Rain continued in Hawke's Bay overnight and State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo remained closed this morning as New Zealand Transport Agency staff worked to clear a slip. It was expected to be reopened by mid-morning.

- NZPA