The state of emergency was lifted in Tairāwhiti at midday on Sunday and while there have been no reports of homes flooded, in the words of Civil Defence the rain has left behind a “sodden and exhausted community”.

There are concerns for properties where landslides have occurred in Whataupoko, in areas around Tītīrangi/Kaiti Hill and at Makorori.

As of yesterday the council had more than 90 rural road issues to deal with, and Waka Kotahi NZTA has a big problem on State Highway 2 north on Otoko Hill.

The highway will remain closed there for the next few days due to fresh slips and further earth movement.

“It will be closed until at least Friday,” said Waka Kotahi central North Island regional manager of maintenance and operations Jaclyn Hankin.

“The further movement at Otoko has made it unsafe for road users and unsuitable for heavy vehicles.”

The council is asking residents who have had a landslide on their property to let Tairāwhiti Civil Defence know.

Council’s principal scientist Dr Murry Cave says 26 landslides have been reported around the city so far with many landslides in rural and coastal areas still needing to be assessed.

“We’ve had to evacuate two homes this morning,” Dr Cave said yesterday.

“So far we have red-stickered two properties and are likely to red-sticker two more with a yellow sticker at a further property. I expect this number will rise.

“Some properties have had multiple slips. We know there are more out there so please let us know if your property has been affected . . . this information is critical to creating an overall picture of the damage that’s occurred across the region.”

Otoko farmer Katie Mitchell told Stuff water was gushing out of SH2 in front of her farm and the road sank by almost a metre on Friday and Saturday.

“The road was just destroyed.

“I could hear cracking and rumbling, almost like an earthquake or a large truck driving fast, but then I realised it was the road,” she said.

Geotechnical engineers were on site at Otoko assessing the damage yesterday.

Ms Hankin said Waka Kotahi knows the freight industry relies heavily on SH2 north to connect Tairāwhiti to the upper North Island.

“On Friday we had a successful afternoon of escorted convoys but the ground movement over the weekend at Otoko has made a repeat of those convoys unrealistic and unsafe for now.

“However, we are working as quickly and safely as possible to get the road to a point where another escorted convoy is possible,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we don’t anticipate this will be before Friday, but we will communicate the next convoy with all road users, including the freight industry, as early as we can.

“We realise this is a crucial part of the network for the freight industry and we want to thank everyone for their understanding during what is a frustrating time for everyone affected.”

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence reported yesterday that contractors have been working on an alternative route around the problems on SH2 at Otoko via Wharekopae Road, for light vehicles and essential services only.

“Wharekopae Road was closed yesterday past Ngatapa School to allow contractors to work on the road so it can be an alternative access,” the council said.

“Once it does open, it will be operating a convoy system.

“A temporary speed limit will be put in place around Ngatapa School.”

It was hoped to get that alternative access available for use from some time today.

State Highway 35 was closed overnight on Sunday but was opened yesterday morning after contractors had driven the route to ensure it was safe. It was closed again overnight last night.

State Highway 2 south to Napier was open yesterday.

As of yesterday there were 92 local rural roads with either restrictions, closed altogether or with bridge issues.

“A huge shout out for all the roading crews around the district getting the hard mahi done,” the council said.

“Please be considerate around work areas and drive to the conditions.”

Local road information can be found at: www.gdc.govt.nz/services/roads-and-roadsides/road-information

*  The council has made a plea about unstable ground.

“Please be alert and aware around your property when it comes to land movement.

“Those who live on hills are asked to keep an eye out for any unusual movement — contact the council if you notice any slumping, cracks, creaking noises, doors sticking in homes or retaining walls leaning.

“Also, take care while out driving.

“The ground’s like porridge and we can expect ongoing movement and to see slips and dropouts on roads. If you see movement get in contact.

“Call us on 0800 653 800 to report any issues, or email us on service@gdc.govt.nz, or fill in an eFix form on our webpage https://www.gdc.govt.nz/council/contact-us”.

*   Gisborne city firefighters were called out twice on Saturday to pump away surface water flooding around two houses.

The homes were in Albert Street and Roebuck Road.

*   Firstlight Network general manager Jarred Moroney said as of yesterday they had 186 customers without power including 63 in Tauwhareparae.

“Our crews were dealing with major slips and access issues which is making it more difficult to fix the faults.

“We know this is challenging for those without power and Firstlight thanks everyone for their understanding while we try to fix the lines.

“We ask that people treat all lines as live and to call our 24-hour faults line on 0800 206 207 with any issues or concerns.”

*  Civil Defence group controller Ben Green has praised the region for its response during the latest rain event.

“It’s been great to see the relative calm across all areas,” he said.

“We’ve seen regional communities, iwi and emergency services, among others, well prepared and they’ve come together for our people.”

He felt for those who have already been through so much from cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.

“They’ve experienced significant impact already, and we are certainly seeing signs of fatigue out there.

“What does shine through though is how quickly our processes and groups and structures came together as part of readiness and response operations.”

*  Welfare centres were set up across the region, a mixture of Civil Defence and community led, and were used by up to 130 people who self-evacuated from their homes.

Te Karaka was evacuated early with whānau heading to welfare centres nearby, in town or with friends.

* “The high ground water table is creating problems that have led to issues with sewage overflow on some city properties, bringing with it health concerns,” Mr Green said.

“Clean-up continues across the region, on the roads, in back yards, schools and more, and residents continue to prepare as best they can for the next weather event.

“The removal of the state of emergency on Sunday by Mayor Rehette Stoltz signalled the shift from the ‘response’ to the ‘recovery’ phase.”