31 Jan 2011

100 homes still uninhabitable in Far North

4:58 pm on 31 January 2011

The clean-up in the Far North is well under way after a storm at the weekend but about 100 hundred families are still unable to return to their homes.

Floodwaters have mostly receded and many of the major highways have reopened.

Civil Defence controller for the Far North Alistair Wells says flooding through the Moerewa area caused the most significant damage to people's houses.

Mr Wells says they will be inspecting properties over the next few days, so people can return home as soon as possible.

A recovery centre has been set up to help people struggling after the bad weather and floods.

The Far North District Council says the centre, at Kawakawa, will be staffed by representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, Housing New Zealand and the council.

Spokesperson Rick McCall says they will assess what assistance is available.

Mr McCall says people could have problems with food and housing until they can get their homes repaired.

He anticipates the recovery centre will stay open for at least a week, depending on demand.