Clean Up Continues in Tasman District After Major Flood Damage

Residents in the Tasman District are working tirelessly to clean up the aftermath of two major floods that have left homes, businesses, and farms in disarray. The relentless rain has caused widespread devastation, forcing many to confront the harsh reality of nature's power.

Jim Papps, a long-time resident of Dovedale, has been at the forefront of the cleanup efforts. His property, which has seen its fair share of floods over the years, has once again been hit hard. Papps and his wife, Maureen, have spent days scraping mud off their driveway and out of their sheds, a task that has become all too familiar.

"We've had some big floods before, but this was on a different scale," Papps said. "It was two floods, and it was the biggest one we've ever seen." The floods have left a lasting impact, with silt and sludge covering his workshop and debris scattered throughout the yard.

One of the most harrowing moments came when Papps had to rescue his neighbor, Paul Harper, from his house bus. "I woke up in the early hours and saw the water flowing through the yard. I knew then that it would have been going in our carport," Papps recalled. He quickly grabbed his tractor and helped Harper, who was trapped and panicking.

Harper described the experience as terrifying. "The force of the water was just absolutely frightening. If it wasn't for the neighbors and family, I reckon I could have bloody died," he said. The floods have left a lasting emotional and physical toll on the community, with many still struggling to recover.

The impact of the floods extends beyond individual properties. The approach to the nearby Cowin Bridge has been washed out, and a large lagoon has formed in what was once a paddock. The aftermath has left many residents in a state of exhaustion and fear, with some even considering leaving the area altogether.

Despite the challenges, the community is showing resilience. Civil Defence teams have been conducting surveys of the damage, visiting around 300 properties in the Tasman District. The state of emergency in Nelson Tasman is set to be lifted on Thursday, marking the beginning of a one-month transition period.

As the region moves forward, the focus remains on recovery and rebuilding. For many, the floods have been a wake-up call, prompting a reevaluation of where and how they live. "I won't park beside a river ever again, ever... no bloody way," Harper said, highlighting the lasting impact of the disaster.

The clean-up efforts continue, with residents working together to restore their homes and communities. While the road to recovery will be long, the spirit of the Tasman District remains unbroken.