FLOOD

20/12/2010

We are getting to know Whakatane people quite well.

The day started at 3.45 am when we heard voices on the wharf. On putting our heads up we saw about a dozen vehicles on the wharf. We got dressed quickly and were told that the river was flooding, consequently all the boat owners were moving their boats off moorings in the river. Reason for this is that debris can hook up on the moorings and quickly drag a boat under the water.

The tide was still rising and we watched as huge trees and rafts of debris came pouring down the river.




4 am - Debris in front of the boat

 Our friendly harbourmaster, Peter was in full swing taking people out to their boats and bringing the boats back tied to the Port Whakatane boat. From being on our own at this wharf we now have numerous neighbours.

Bay of Plenty has had 200mm rain over the weekend and 60-80mm is forecast for the next twelve hours.

Its now midday and the tide is on the way out so the river is flowing really fast with a lot of debris still coming down and the water is muddy and brown and the smell is earthy.



This is pure Whakatane River floodwater, nothing added!

Hundreds of birds, swallows, sparrows and seagulls ride down the river on logs and branches and catch the grubs and insects as they come out of the wood. Ducks do some serious swimming against the tide but sometimes give up and float off down the river.
The river entrance is closed and after a walk out to the entrance you can soon see why.



River Entrance looking back towards Whakatane





Whale Island