Mother Shelters Kids on Roof as Floodwaters Ravage East Coast Home
In a harrowing incident on New Zealand’s North Island, a mother and her children were forced to escape rising floodwaters by climbing onto their roof. The severe weather struck Te Araroa on a Wednesday, inundating homes and presenting life-threatening challenges for residents.
Mother Shelters Kids on Roof Amid Flood Crisis
The situation escalated rapidly, with a wall of water described by Ngatai, the mother, as a “tsunami.” She recalled the terrifying moment as they raced to the roof for safety. “My children were screaming and crying, and we were all in shock,” she recounted.
Destructive Floodwaters
As the family reached the highest point, the roof collapsed, and floodwaters surged ominously close. “The water had risen within seconds to the bottom of the roof,” Ngatai noted, highlighting the extreme conditions they faced. Beyond the fear from the rising water, she described the chaos with boulders crashing and trees snapping in the relentless downpour.
Emergency Response Challenges
Amid their struggle, Ngatai received distressing communication from emergency services. They were advised to remain on the roof and stay calm. She expressed her anguish, stating, “I kept begging for a helicopter.” Despite the presence of emergency crews nearby, the hazardous conditions made it impossible for ground rescuers to reach them.
Hope Amidst Despair
Believing they were on the brink of death, Ngatai found solace in her sister’s voice, who provided updates and appealed for assistance. Remarkably, a large pūriri tree located behind their home helped redirect some floodwaters, playing a crucial role in their survival.
Aftermath and Rescue
As daybreak approached, the floodwaters began to recede. The family descended from their precarious perch only to find widespread destruction, including overturned vehicles. Fortunately, they were met by emergency services at the end of the road and were subsequently airlifted to the Te Araroa health clinic for care.
- Incident Location: Te Araroa, North Island, New Zealand
- Type of Incident: Severe flooding caused by heavy rains
- Key Person: Ngatai, the mother
- Rescue Method: Airlift to local health facility
This event underscores the dangers of rapid flooding and the profound impact severe weather has on communities. The bravery of mothers like Ngatai exemplifies the strength found even in the most dire circumstances.
