17 May 2010

Tapawera flood damage being assessed

10:54 am on 17 May 2010

Damage from floods and landslides in Tapawera, near Nelson, is being assessed as most residents return to homes evacuated on Monday.

Slips and floodwaters isolated properties in the Motueka River valley on Sunday morning, but most are now accessible.

Nelson-Tasman Civil Defence officials say floodwaters surged through one or two homes and it could be days before these families can return.

Emergency services were stood down on Sunday night as water levels eased in the Baton and Wangapeka rivers.

Contractors, engineers and building officials are checking roads, bridges and culverts for signs of damage.

The focus on Monday will be on clearing roads so people can return home.

However, there are dozens of slips and the work could take days.