Esk Valley residents, just north of Napier, have been told to be prepared to evacuate, with heavy rain forecast today.
The area was devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle, when intense rainfall resulted in flash flooding with the Esk River overflowing, sending a raging torrent of slash and silt through homes and farmland in the middle of the night.
Heavy rain warnings are in place.
Meanwhile, the downpours are fraying nerves across the region.
RNZ reporter Soumya Bhamidipati spoke to Māni Dunlop.
