Volunteers helping Edgecumbe smile again

Volunteers kitted out in white coveralls and armed with spades took to the flooded streets of Edgecumbe on the first day of a mass clean-up effort.

Residents from the 229 properties in ‘‘Zone 4’’, where the river breached, were able to return from midday yesterday.

‘‘We feel for the people returning to their homes today,’’ Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne said.

‘‘Many of them will need alternative accommodation for the medium to long-term as their homes are repaired.’’

Most of the homes in Zone 4 suffered moderate to severe flood damage when the Rangitaikei River broke its banks nine days ago, sending a torrent of floodwater through the town.

Around 87 volunteers rallied yesterday to help transform the damaged properties, said volunteer coordinator Pim De Monchy.

‘‘Between those volunteers we think we cleaned about 80 properties in the southern part of Edgecumbe.

‘‘They filled a lot of rubbish skips today, have taken a lot of green waste off the property and piled it up on the kerbside.

‘‘And I think they have brought smiles to a lot of faces.’’

All of the volunteers had come with a willingness to work, he said.

‘‘And they’re doing it in a respectful, reverent way, making sure we observe people’s dignity and respect the fact they may be in states of shock or grieving,’’ de Monchy said.

Residents who wanted help cleaning the inside of their properties would be assisted. Volunteers would respect the wishes of those who wanted to be left alone.

‘‘The residents are in varying states of shock, some are happy to be back and others are distressed. Everyone is getting stuck in,’’ De Monchy said.

In the past few days 1000 sets of gloves and coveralls have been handed out. ‘‘The town is quickly transforming.’’

A total of 680 volunteers registered by email and De Monchy said organisers hoped to have 150 working in Zone 4 today.

Residents of Tawhara Place, Titoki Place, Puriri Cres, Rata Ave, Hinau Place, Matipo Place, Bridge St, College Rd (from Bridge St to Edgecumbe College) returned at noon.

A large number of homes in Zone 4 have been yellow-stickered, which means they have suffered damage and are not yet safe to be permanently occupied – however residents can return to begin the clean-up.

Support and information services are available at Edgecumbe Hall Contact Centre.

Water is restored to much of the township, but the district council is asking the public to continue conserving water as the network is fragile. A boil-water notice remains in place.

There will be tankers in Edgecumbe providing drinking water and people are asked to bring their own containers.