The state of emergency in the Buller district has been extended as the council assesses flood damage estimated to have cost millions of dollars.
Roads around Buller became impassable after heavy rains last week. Photo: Supplied / Civil Defence
Two bursts of torrential rain over the past fortnight saturated land hardened by record dry temperatures, resulting in widespread flooding, slips and damage to critical infrastructure.
Buller District Council mayor Jamie Cleine said at least 70 farms had been damaged.
"While fewer houses were flooded than in July 2021's event, the February floods have affected our small rural communities hardest," he said.
"Many are struggling with access issues which affect production."
Cleine said building inspectors had identified 22 homes with flood damage, four of which had been red-stickered, and that number was expected to rise.
The council was also concerned about badly damaged roads and the threat to freshwater supplies in Waimangaroa, Westport and the suburb of Carter's Beach.
Early signs indicated the scale of damage to infrastructure was unprecedented, pushing the region onto an ongoing emergency footing, the council said.
A historic dumpsite in Reefton was undermined by the flooding, with emergency work underway to ensure it did not pollute the Inangahua River.
The council said the repairs were expected to cost millions of dollars, which would be a significant challenge for a district with a small ratepayer base.
