Wellington residents still out of homes months on from floods
Months after severe flooding in Wellington, many residents remain displaced and traumatized, calling for government buy-out schemes. The City Council has committed to a public report on the disaster response following criticisms of preparedness and staffing.
Why it matters
Highlights the long-term social and economic impacts of climate-related disasters on urban communities.
Wellington residents affected by April's flooding say they're still traumatised, displaced and unable to sleep five months on.
On Thursday, Wellington City Council committed to producing a public report into the disaster, with one councillor apologising if the council's response had failed.
Hundreds of Wellingtonians were affected by extreme rain in the early hours of 20 April , with flash flooding, landslips, and damage to homes and businesses leaving one person dead and triggering a state of emergency,
Bronwyn Croxson said when it rains, she can't sleep.
The Berhampore resident was jolted awake at 4am on 20 April, as floodwaters inundated her home on Royal Street.
"I woke my family then trying to get out of the house, and couldn't. Eventually we got out, the water was chest-high and we managed to get up out, down the side."
One person died as a result of April's flooding.
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