Many Pasifika families affected by the flash floods and torrential rainfall that have lashed New Zealand’s North Island over the past few days are bracing for more bad weather overnight.
RNZ reported that with four people dead and hundreds forced out of their homes a state of emergency remains in force for Auckland and one has also now been issued for Northland.
The predominately Pasifika neighbourhood of Mangere is among the worst affected areas in Auckland.
Streets throughout the suburb were submerged after a sudden downpour last Friday caused rivers to overflow their banks.
Mangere resident Louisa Opetaia said the water rose so suddenly, it rapidly flooded her entire home while she was still asleep.
“When I got home from work, I took a nap at about 7.30pm. When I woke up an hour I later and I got off my bed, I splashed into water,” said Opetaia.
“It was already halfway up my calf and up to my knee, and the three rooms in my house were flooded,” she added.
