Lessons learned from mass flooding

LONG DAYS: Andy Watson, Rangitikei mayor, says council staff have worked "horrific hours" since June's flooding. PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY A-230615WCBRCFLO13

Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson says the district's recovery is well under way but there will be some lessons learned.

Meanwhile, the number of properties and people affected by the flooding had risen as the council had found out where people had ended up.

Mr Watson said he was generally happy with the initial response to the disaster but some aspects would be looked at.

"To be honest, there have been a few hiccups and there are things we will learn from it through the debrief process," he said.

"It was compounded by the sudden escalation of the event and the drop of cell networks.

"By and and large, I'd have to say the staff have been fantastic. Some of them are tired ... we had some staff working horrific hours," he said.

Mr Watson praised the response from Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye. "She has kept in contact with us on a daily basis."

He said there had also been thousands of volunteer hours contributed to the clean-up.

Clearing and fixing the district's roads remained the priority for council but a watchful eye is being kept on the weather while about 10 roading crews work to clear slips and make repairs.

"It only takes a mild rain event to bring more mud back down on to the roads," Mr Watson said.

Almost all Rangitikei roads were now open to at least 4WD access. "But we have a number of roads we can't get stock trucks in and out of," Mr Watson said.

Rangitikei CEO Ross McNeil said the full extent of the damage would not be known until silt was cleared.

Floodwaters had receded from the worst hit areas, including Whangaehu, allowing people back into their homes.