Tonnes of lime are being helicoptered into the flood-ravaged town of Edgecumbe today to help control the stench of mud mixed with sewage.
A person takes his dog through floodwaters on Otaiki Road, as council vehicles drive through the morning after the town of Edgecumbe was flooded by a burst stopbank. Friday 7 April 2017 Photo: RNZ/ Brad White
Meanwhile, truckloads of ruined furniture are being driven out, as volunteers help to clean up the mess.
14 red stickered houses are still off limits, but people are allowed to start cleaning up more than 200 other homes that were flooded when the Rangitaiki River surged through the town almost two weeks ago.
More than 200 people were bussed in each day over the weekend to help clean up. Photo: RNZ Tom Furley
The Government has set up an accommodation service for those who can't go back to their flooded homes and Edgecumbe residents are being asked to register with the service where they will be matched up with emergency and temporary housing.
Whakatane District Mayor Tony Bonne says temporary housing will be moved onto Edgecumbe's domain to cope with those left homeless after the flooding of the town.
Social Development Minister Anne Tolley says people left homeless by the Edgecumbe floods can register for assistance and a temporary home will be found for them.
