Rural residents near Feilding continue clearing up after deluge – NZ Herald

By Jimmy Ellingham of RNZ

Logging and mud littering properties after a destructive torrent of water destroys roads and leaves 48 houses flooded.

The runoff stream that snakes through Julie Rush's 12-hectare property has returned to its normal harmless stream.

However, during the downpour last Wednesday, it was a torrent of water that deposited mud and forest sludge on his garden and his house.

"It was like a tsunami and I could see it coming. Then it doubled over and just attacked you. I just stood there with my mouth open. I couldn't believe what I was seeing."

Rush's property is one of several properties in the rural area of ​​Reu Reu Rd, about 30 km north of Feilding in Manawatū, which was isolated from the outside world for three days.

The water that came down the hill and flooded the Te Reu Reu valley tore down the road at one access bridge and left a pile of logging on another, making it impassable.

It was cleaned up on Saturday, but debris remains, as is the insidious smell of mud.

Rush could do nothing Wednesday other than watch the waters rise and make sure his animals were okay.

After staying with the neighbors, he is back home, sleeping in a caravan and working full-time on the mass cleaning operation, with the help of friends.

They tore the wet carpet inside, took out the shower and even the toilet, which was barely visible above the mud.

"My garden was beautiful and it is absolutely destroyed, but what worries me is the farm."

Several trailers full of silt have already been recalled and more remain.

There is also the problem of what to do with the forest debris scattered around your property.

The waste angers her because, she said, there would be no responsibility for whoever left it on the ground above the valley.

Rush, 73, has lived there, in a Maori leasehold, for more than a decade, farming in partnership with John Heron.

She has been in the valley for 26 years and said last week's flooding was worse than the 2004 disaster, where hundreds of people in Manawatū were forced from their homes.

The runoff stream generally flows about a meter wide, but leaves a deep channel up to 10 meters through the Rush property.

Now, he is saving what he can, drying his house and his cars.

Despite what happened, Rush wants to stay put.

“Some people have told me, 'Hey, go to town.' I say, 'Why would I want to go to town?' I am very happy here with my dogs, chooks and birds. "

Repair work on two bridges at the end of the road has restored access, but the road still needs permanent repair.

Ruth Henchman got home just before it became impassable, even though her partner was at work and had to stay at a motel.

He watched Waituna Creek overflow and flood a meadow behind his property.

She said residents in the area helped each other during their days of isolation, checking in on each other and clearing up the mess.

Henchman even acted as a postman, crossing the creek on Friday to pick up packages from the rural delivery service and deliver them along the road.

"It's a relief to have the bridges repaired. We were fine here. We had enough supplies and we had electricity, but it's great to know that you can go."

Manawatū District Mayor Helen Worboys said she sympathized with the people cleaning after last week's wet weather.

Forty-eight houses were flooded and another 32 properties suffered water damage that did not reach the house.

"I started to get in touch with all the people who were affected, who had water in their house or were cut off," he said.

"It's really about making sure they have the assistance they need and the alternatives if they need alternatives."

Twelve roads around the district were closed. It is too early to say how long the cleaning will take.

Worboys said that anyone who needs help can contact the city hall on 06 323 0000.

- RNZ