Weather-hit Northland communities face health concerns amid silt clean-up

Residents in storm-hit Northland communities were getting sick as they clean up silt and mud from last week's flooding. Whirinaki in South Hokianga was among the Far North communities badly hit, with at least half a metre of floodwater covering the valley floor. Nine Whirinaki families' homes were flooded and could not be lived in. One of those homes burnt down due to a fire suspected to have been caused by water-damaged wiring. Far North District Council set up an incident management team to focus on impacted communities including Mitimiti, Pawarenga, Panguru, Kaitāia and Takahue. The area recorded 303.5mm of rain in 48 hours. Residents expressed concern that the silt is contaminated by failed septic systems and becomes airborne dust when dry. Civil Defence Northland has advised the use of respirators, goggles, and protective clothing during clean-up efforts.