The Earthquake Commission has received more than 300 land slip and storm damage claims from Northland property owners after last week's torrential rain in the region.
The claims have a provisional value of $4,395,000 but more are expected after Easter when absentee owners of holiday homes and baches
check their properties.
More than 170 claims relate to Far North properties of which over 120 are in the Whangarei district.
This week, a survey found at least 65 houses in Opua, Paihia and Russell were damaged by floodwater or slips. Residents have moved out of 23 homes, which were in a dangerous condition, pending engineering and land stability reports.
Property owners can contact the commission on 0800 652 333 or 0800 326 243 and commission claims manager Keith Long said the 0800 phones would be manned over Easter.
He expects the number of claims to rise to more than 400 next week.
The Far North District Council urges flood-affected property owners to contact their insurers first and then call the council on 0800 920 029 to arrange for a property inspection.
The Government Emergency Response line is also open on 0800 779 997 during the weekend for those needing welfare help after the floods.
The Russell road to Helena Bay, Oakura and Bland Bay will be closed for up to eight weeks because of washouts and slips. Travellers are urged to access those areas via the Opua Ferry and through Russell.
