The Whanganui River has its largest flood ever recorded, following torrential rain that drenched the lower North Island.
The river has now stabilised and has started to drop, but the flood has left many residents with flood damaged homes.
Local resident, Piriwiritua Rurawhe says, “The district council has put out a warning to everyone in the affected areas to stay home, many of the roads are dangerous and damaged, there's land-slides slipping onto the roads.”
Whanganui City Bridge was closed, roads and highways were also heavily affected by the flooding.
There have been no reported deaths or injuries, so the locals are counting their blessings. With power slowly returning to the regions, many are hoping for a brighter day tomorrow.