Source: Radio New Zealand
Floodwaters at Ōakura after the January storm. (File photo) Supplied / Ngātiwai Trust Board
A retired Northland couple’s home has been damaged by flooding once again while still being repaired following the January storm.
Linda and Roger Kelsall, both 80, had only just moved back into their Ōakura home before Thursday’s rain.
Linda Kelsall told Checkpoint, the latest bout of heavy rain had left the bottom story of their home with more water damage, and a lot of sludge and damage down each side of the house.
“It’s very disappointing… nothing we could do.”
Linda Kelsall said as the rain poured down water began seeping into the house and the couple had to put down towels in the bathroom and laundry area.
Flooding on the road leading in to Ōakura on Thursday. SUPPLIED
“Quite a lot seeped through… the rain was quite severe and the winds were very harsh. It just kept on raining on and off all day.
“We were wondering whether to go to our friend’s house or not when it started pouring. We went outside a few times to try and divert the water a bit, but no, it was too severe.”
There was a natural spring at the back of their property which had poured into their home with the excess rain.
Someone would be coming to look at the home on Monday and assess the new damage, Linda Kelsall said.
The couple’s home had been yellow-stickered in January and since then all the gib had been replaced along with the skirting boards.
“It was getting to the stage it was ready for painting.”
The couple spent three weeks in a motel and they then rented somewhere else until they were able to move back home last week.
Flooding in Ōakura during January. (File photo) RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Linda Kelsall said they had discussed moving in the past, but talked themselves out of it as it was a lovely spot with a very close community of “lovely people who were very supportive”.
“We do wonder what’s going to happen next I guess it’s just mother nature, what can you do? Not a thing.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
