A river has burst its banks, causing evacuations and cutting off the entire community of Lake Ferry in South Wairarapa, New Zealand. Fallen trees and flooded roads have left the settlement isolated.
Flooding Isolates Lake Ferry Community
All roads leading into Lake Ferry are currently flooded, effectively isolating the community. Parts of a local motel are reportedly submerged under a metre of water.
The Tūranganui River overflowed onto the main road, and the Tauanui River burst its banks, flooding nearby paddocks. Residents have evacuated to Pirinoa Hall, particularly those living on low-lying ground.
Lake Ferry resident Vicky Prout described the situation, stating, “We are quite blocked off. It’s all flooded through the paddocks. The power went out last night and it’s still out.” She also noted the high lake level.
Prout’s husband reported that some units at the Gateway Motel, located at the entrance to the settlement, were up to a metre underwater. Despite the situation, Prout said, “We are not panicking yet. If the lake starts flooding, we will think about evacuating.”
Lake Ferry Road was described as resembling a wasteland on Monday afternoon, following hours of sustained intense rain and strong winds. Water cascaded from the hills, pooling along the road, and filling paddocks with muddy water. Heavy rain and wind continued into the second day of the storm.
Farmers have moved their herds to higher ground to protect them from the flooding. Fallen trees and branches are scattered along the road, and one large tree has been removed and left on the roadside.
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