Special report: Wanganui Floods 2015

Wanganui floods. Kowhai Park and its mini railway under water.

On Saturday, June 20, one month's worth of rain fell on Wanganui in 24 hours.

That night and early Sunday morning the surging Whananui River brought the worst flooding on record.

The resultant flood saw the city cut off and about 400 people evacuated mainly in Putiki, Aramoho and Wanganui East.

The Whanganui River breached its banks around midnight on Saturday, spilling floodwater into the central business district.

Drone footage of the Wanganui River and Kowhai Park. Source: Peter Wheeldon/Youtube

Wanganui Chronicle published a special edition focusing on the floods with all proceeds going to the Mayoral Flood Relief Fund.

We take a look back at some of the events which lead to this once in a lifetime event.

No warning

MetService had not issued a severe weather warning because there had been no indication the rain would be so heavy.

Between 142.8mm and 197mm of heavy rain battered Wanganui and Raetihi, causing the Whanganui River to burst its banks and forcing hundreds of residents to head for higher ground.

It was unexpected - the rain was heavier and stayed around for longer than expected

MetService

In Rangitikei water levels started rising quickly. The Tutaenui Stream breached its banks just before midnight on Saturday.

Aerial view of a a lower Whangaehu farm that was still still underwater days later.

Horizons Regional Council recorded the Whanganui River reaching a peak of 9.1 metres at Town Bridge at 3am, with a flow rate of 4,690 cubic metres per second.

In Waitotara police and fire brigade staff told residents they had five minutes to grab whatever they wanted and then they had to leave.

There was no warning - we had to evacuate.

Kim Brewer

Cut off

Overnight flooding had split the city in two because all bridges were closed for safety reasons.

All roads in and out of Wanganui were eventually closed due to severe weather conditions.

Climbing above Whanganui airport in a helicopter brought home how widespread the flooding was.

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Wanganui District Council Civil Defence asked people to stay indoors and not travel unless they absolutely had to.

Floodwaters from the Whanganui River were still ponding along much of Anzac Pde two days after the stopbanks were breached.

Civil Defence declared a state of emergency as more and more people were forced to evacuate.

Pulling together

As floodwaters rose, small acts of heroism were reported in the region. The Wanganui Pound opened their doors to stranded dogs.

The Whanganui pound was opened to save and protect mans best friend as the floods ravaged the district.

At Kauangaroa, the Cranstones had 10 unexpected guests after three vehicles became stranded after the road became impassable.

Whangaehu resident Pauline Tahau and her family are cleaning the flood borne mud from her home today. She tell nzherald's Mark Mitchell about how she escaped and the terrible aftermath of mud.

Friends rallied round sharemilkers Lyall and Sindy Hooper to help them move equipment as the waters rose across their farm in the lower Waitotara Valley.

Many Wanganui St John officers worked without a break to help out during the flooding.

In Marton staff were faced with the challenge of trying to get a woman who had apparently gone into labour to safety.

The CBD was cordoned off and a sticker system implemented on affected properties.

Flood damage on ANZAC Parade and Kowhai Park in Wanganui.

Local photographer Mark Brimblecombe managed to circumnavigate the cordons put into place to capture the devastation first hand, upsetting some locals in the process.

Footage of the floods in the early hours of Sunday morning in downtown Wanganui. Flooding caused road and bridge closures, cut power to homes and forced people across the regions to spend the night in emergency accommodation or with friends and family. Source: Mark Seconi/Youtube

Counting the cost

When people were finally allowed back into their homes and businesses they were met with scenes of devastation.

Owners of properties along Anzac Parade were overcome with emotion as they saw the damage caused by the floodwaters.

Damage to a property on Anzac Parade. Photo: Bevan Conley

In Whangaehu the McDonnell family have had to deal with four floods in the past 11 years but the latest flood could be the last straw .

It's broken me. It's the one that's broken the camel's back.

Mike McDonnell

In the past 11 years the McDonnells have had to deal with four floods. PHOTO/DEVYN STAINES

At the Aramoho Wanganui Rowing Club, the building and its contents came off second best. Although insurance will cover a lot of the damage, the club still needs to cover the $25k excess. The club hopes putting their story out there will bring in some help.

The club has done Wanganui proud over many, many years and it would be nice to think people could help us get back up and running if they are able,

Head coach Ian Weenink

Playgrounds and parks were swamped with mud and water. Kowhai Park was swallowed by half a metre of silt. Check out the photos of the clean up here.

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Excess water at Kowhai Park has now fully drained away but Wanganui District Council workers say it could take months to complete the clean-up.

So far in Wanganui, 256 insurance claims have been submitted due to flooding. This may not be enough to cover damages.

An initial assessment of the economic impact around the region has put the estimated cost of flood recovery at $120million.

A time for acts of kindness.

Climate change responsible?

Many tried to find a reason behind the event with some blaming climate change.

Wanganui writer Frank Greenall blamed the river, despite its innocent exterior.

Could be the river got down and dirty again 'cos somehow most of its catchment cloak got trashed back when

Frank Greenhill

Experts are now looking for a solution to prevent such devastation from happening again.

Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson says there are lessons to be learned from the mass flooding.

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

Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson

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Picking up the pieces

The Grand Hotel Wanganui has already run two fundraising quizzes to help out with flood relief, raising $800.

Mayor Annette Main said she was overwhelmed by the generosity shown to those affected by the record-breaking floods which hit the city.

The people putting on food, the local businesses offering physical support and cash ... they're just doing it for their community.

Wanganui Mayor Annette Main

The Whangarei District Council has donated $7500 to help victims of the floods that hit the city and district.

Wanganui floods. Anzac Parade flushed out some interesting characters.

New apps are being designed that will help compile government data and present it in a useful way. This could include ways to match people in need to those who can help them in time of a natural disaster.

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Now business is getting back to normal in Wanganui. The flood-hit rail link between Marton and New Plymouth is now back in business.

The state of emergency may have been lifted but for many residents the events of the weekend of June 20 2015 will stay with them for a long time to come.