Te Araroa Evacuations Due to Severe East Coast Rain

Kaumātua have reported to Civil Defence that the recent rain bombs affecting Bay of Plenty and Onepoto Bay were more severe than Cyclone Gabrielle. Tairāwhiti Civil Defence Emergency Management group controller Ben Green noted approximately 480mm of rain fell, leading to the evacuation of 30 residents from affected areas. Evacuated homes in Te Araroa and Onepoto Bay remain at risk due to potential hazards from saturated cliffs. Recovery efforts may take several days as assessments continue.

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