Clean-up begins in flooded East Coast - 23 Oct 2005 - National News

Clean-up begins in flooded East Coast - 23 Oct 2005 - National News: "A major clean-up operation is beginning on the North Island's East Coast today after the worst floods in the region since Cyclone Bola.

Two days of torrential rain caused serious flooding - closing roads, forcing some families from their homes and trapping others in cars or outside overnight.

One local caught in the deluge called it 'the worst nightmare I've ever had'.

Gisborne, Wairoa, Tolaga Bay and Ruatoria were cut off by road, with some residents having to be airlifted to safety and travellers seeking shelter in local marae.

More than 50 people were forced from their homes, but the financial cost of the disaster is still to be calculated.

Tourists also found their travel disrupted, with many roads blocked by slips. Thousands of people had been expected in the region for the Gisborne Wine and Food Festival today.

More than 1200mm of rain fell on the coast over Friday and Saturday, including 370mm in Hikuwai, near Tokomaru Bay, 365mm in Te Puia Springs, around 180mm in Gisborne and another 280mm throughout Napier and Hastings. "