West Coast Tasman MP and Agriculture Minister Damien O Connor told media at least one farm had lost up to 700 animals, possibly more, in what was an “extraordinary” weather. The animals had been moved to historically safe places, but the river came up much higher than expected, causing them to “panic” and run into the water. O Connor said his brother s farm near Westport had been affected and would face some “challenges”. “Quite a few of the farms here, like the people in houses, will have a challenging time ahead.” The situation had been classified as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking $200,000 for flood-affected farmers across the West Coast and Marlborough.
Peter Meecham/Stuff
Water surrounds Shelswell Rd on the edge of Westport after floodwaters inundated the area. The mouth of Buller River can be seen in the top right of the photo as it meets the sea. While Faafoi said that the money on offer to Westport and Marlborough was an “initial” outlay until full assessments of the damage were carried out, he would not be drawn on future central government cash. “If they need more we will have a discussion,” Faafoi said. It was understood at least 1000 stock had been lost due to the massive flood, O’Connor said. The Buller river rose more than 12 metres above its normal level.
Government commits $600,000 to flood recovery
The Government is contributing $600,000 to help residents affected by the weekend s violent weather with recovery efforts.
Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi and Agriculture Minister Damien O Connor have been in the Buller district this afternoon to assess flood damage and support the local response effort.
They have announced an initial contribution of $300,000 towards a Buller Mayoral Relief Fund and another $100,000 towards a similar fund for Marlborough. Alongside that the event has been classified a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking another $200,000 for flood-affected farmers and growers across the West Coast and Marlborough regions. While it is too early to know the full cost of the damage, we expect it to be significant and this contribution will help communities to start to get back on their feet, Kris Faafoi said.
The government has pledged $300,000 to help the sodden Buller district, as 1000 people in Westport are unable to return home.
Kris Faafoi and Damien O Connor have flown over the flood-hit region on the West Coast today.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
A further $100,000 will be provided to the Marlborough District, which has also been hit hard by flooding.
Alongside that, the event has been classified a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking another $200,000 for flood-affected farmers and growers across the West Coast and Marlborough regions.
Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi said the money will be provided through mayoral relief funds. While it is too early to know the full cost of the damage, we expect it to be significant and this contribution will help communities to start to get back on their feet, Faafoi said.
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