Cyclone Chronicles

 

Feb 4th - Leaderbrand clean out the ditches which have been overgrown since we became organic, and don't want glyphosate sprayed.

I think it is no longer a ditch and is now called a swale.

Feb 13th  Strong winds and persistent rain. The drains start to fill, but are flowing freely.

The power goes out. It comes on briefly overnight, but next morning is gone for a couple of days, along with the internet, phones etc.

February 14th, the water crests the swale, but is still flowing swiftly.

We move into the caravan where we have battery power and gas, and even TV (just freeview)

I'm pretty sure that macadamia don't like wet feet, but they are pretty stoic. There are a few weak trees which we think will eventually die. The pink tag indicates nuts.

The swale empties quickly. but some surface flooding takes longer.

We feel so lucky.

Supergrans, which I am treasurer for is the major hub for food and other essential items. Like Whittakers sending cartons of chocolate pods. Donations had to be sorted before dispatch.

Our chillers and vehicles were in high demand, but we used the army unimogs as well, and called on coolstores around the district. Some supplies were helicoptered out too.

We have had the odd leak.

After Duncan's Birthday we headed off for a short break. The devastation between Te Karaka and Otoko was evident.

You must remember that these are quick snaps out the car window, so it was difficult to snap the worst bits - they had usually gone by. But as you can see it was a beautiful autumn day, - clear blue skies, and a few  autumn colours on the trees. The heartache for the farming community was palpable. 

More pics from the Hawkes Bay in the next post.