By Tova O’Brien
The clean-up has begun in Tapawera, southeast of Nelson, after one of the biggest floods in the rural community’s history.
At least 22 families were evacuated from their homes, but most have now returned to survey the damage.
A five-minute flash flood through the Clark family property undid six years of hard work.
“We had a gorgeous orchard,” Cyree Clark told 3 News, “with ranch style fencing and a dozen fruit trees, some old fashioned roses… now there’s nothing left.”
Many of the valley’s homes have been affected – seven roads remain closed and the clean up could take months.
“There is a lot of logs and slips around, so as far as the roads go it is going to take months getting (them) back up and running,” Fire Service spokesman Tony Norris said.
“It’ll probably be four-wheel drive access for a while.”
Up to 150mm of rain fell, and both the Wangapeka and Baton Rivers burst their banks.
The rain that was forecast overnight held off, allowing families to begin the daunting task of cleaning up.
“It’s very surreal,” says Ms Clark. “It’s hard to even think it’s happened. It’s heartbreaking.”
Engineers have begun inspections throughout the area to begin the big job of repairing roads, bridges and culverts.
3 News