Waters recede, cleanup begins

The flood cleanup continued this morning as waters receded following a torrential downpour that left much of Manawatu and Horowhenua covered in a blanket of water.

Yesterday, farmers and rural families had their first chance to see the damage caused by the heavy rain and begin picking up the pieces, including haybales that had floated away and dead stock.

Manawatu-Rangitikei Federated Farmers president Gordon McKellar said it was too early to tell what the cleanup bill might be, but said many farmers would be spending time fixing their farms.

``There's a lot of fences down and a bit of damage, so it will take a while to totally get things back to normal,'' he said.

``If the water keeps going down quickly, then hopefully the grass will be able grow back and everything will be fine.''
As of 9am today, State Highway 56 was still closed due to landslips and flooding, while motorists were being advised to take extreme caution on SH57.

Also closed were Midland Rd in Almadale, Dews Rd in Kaitawa, Old Hill Rd and Hiranui Rd in Wanstead, Awahou South Rd in Pohangina, Aranui Rd in Longburn, Tutaekara Rd in Konini and Pahaheke Rd in Hopelands.

- © Fairfax NZ News