Battered by last week's gales and weary after six days without power, rural Clutha residents have finally had the chance to sit down with officials, and each other.
Four community meetings were held on Wednesday in some of the worst-hit areas, where authorities urged residents to be patient and take care during the cleanup.
Mark Patterson - Minister for Rural Communities Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Clutha-Southland MP Mark Patterson told locals in Lawrence the extent of the damage could not be overstated.
"This is a really serious event. Anecdotally, and I've heard no one contradict this, this is the biggest windstorm anyone can think of or remember in living memory," he said.
Authorities said about 1700 properties were still without power across the district.
Water levels in Lawrence were critically low, and most of the area remained under a boil-water notice.
About 70 people showed up at the hall to hear from officials. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Clutha councillor-elect Roger Cotton said officials were working flat out to support affected communities.
"I've been in Balclutha and seen what's going on there, and it really is a sight to behold. The work that's going on there is amazing," he said.
The meetings also came with a sombre and urgent warning.
Mike Hurring has a serious warning for farmers considering clearing large trees themselves. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Logging contractor Mike Hurring said too many people were tackling dangerous tree work without proper training or equipment.
"The worst thing is the chainsaw shops are sold out. Every man and his dog is out there with a chainsaw trying to fix really dangerous situations," he said.
Residents were reminded that in June, a farmer south of Nelson was killed by a falling tree while clearing flood debris.
Hurring said he had already seen close calls.
"There's people out there doing some really crazy stuff. No protective equipment, or chainsaws that aren't up to scratch. So those people need to take a step back and let people that are experienced and qualified in this field [help]. This is really serious. We only get one shot at it."
Six days on from the storm, residents said the adrenaline had worn off and fatigue was setting in.
Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Lawrence farmer Sue Wither said she was grateful for the chance to get off the farm and hear directly from officials.
"Because we've got no cell coverage, we're missing a lot on social media. You're only getting [updates] once a day. It was good to come and hear what's happening and how far away our power is," she said.
PowerNet had brought in extra crews but warned on Tuesday that some rural properties could remain offline for weeks.
Wither said her family was coping with a generator but looking forward to life returning to normal.
"We're okay, but it's just the small things, you know. The microwave, or the hairdryer... or the TV."
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