MP Miles Anderson was commenting after a second day of heavy rain battered the district yesterday, heaping more misery on to residents already dealing with the ramifications of floods earlier in the week.
A state of emergency remained in place overnight and would be reviewed today, authorities said.
Oamaru was cut off from the north for hours yesterday, with State Highway 1 closed due to flooding and no detours available.
Huge traffic queues built up in the North Otago town yesterday afternoon.
SH83 from Pukeuri to Kurow was also closed.
Both roads reopened around 4pm.
Damage assessments would continue over coming days as access improved, authorities said.
Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said it had been a “tough week”.
“The rain has been relentless; people are tired, and it’s taken a toll on our community.
“But we’ve also seen the true strength of Waitaki residents, with people looking out for one another and stepping up when it mattered most.’’
She urged residents to continue to look after each other and reach out if they needed help.
“Once the event has passed, government will work with councils and insurance companies to determine the scale of damage and consider extra support.”
Mr Anderson said he wanted to thank staff, volunteers and neighbours responding to the event.
Yesterday’s road closures came after authorities pleaded with people to stop stealing road closure signs in the district.
Removing the signs “puts everyone at risk”, the council said in a post on social media.
“Please leave road closure signs where they are — they are there for a reason, and they could help keep your friends, whānau and neighbours safe.”
Contractors also ran out of “road closed” signs due to how many closures there were.
The Waihemo Service Centre in Palmerston was made available for those seeking shelter following flooding in the East Otago town.
All council sports grounds will be closed this weekend due to flooding.
