Floods in the Hutt Valley (courtesy of Sam M.)

A major Flood in the Hutt Valley Region hit in the early hours of Sunday 15th February 2004.

Worst hit Area: Lower Hutt, Wellington. The Flood decimated the area causing approximately $30.00 worth of damage. Several priceless collections of mementos from the $2.00 Shop were damaged beyond repair. Three areas of historic burnt out cars were disturbed. Many locals were woken well before their benefit arrived.

More FM News (Radio Station) reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered, still trying to come to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened in Lower Hutt.

One resident - Tracy Sharon Smith, a 15-year-old mother of 5 said "It was such a shock, my little Chardonnay Mercedes came running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two, Tyler-Morgan and Megan-Storm slept through it all. I was still shaking when I was watching Rikki Lake the next morning." Apparently though, looting, muggings and car crime did carry on as normal.

The New Zealand Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4,000 crates of Raro to the area to help the stricken locals. Rescue workers are still searching through the Flood damaged area and have found large quantities of personal belongings, which include benefit books, jewelry from Cash Convertors and Bone China from The Warehouse.


HOW CAN YOU HELP


This appeal is to raise money for food and clothing, parcels for those unfortunate to be caught up in this disaster. Clothing is most sought after, items most needed include: Body Glove or Warehouse own baseball caps Kappa tracksuit tops (his and hers) Shell suits (female) White sport socks Rockport boots and any other items usually sold in K Mart. Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same. Required foodstuffs include Microwave meals, tins of baked beans, ice cream and cans of Lion Red or Speights. 22c buys a pen for filling in the compensation forms, $2.00 buys chips, crisps and blue fizzy drinks for a family of 9, $10.00 will pay for a packet of Holiday Ciggies and a lighter to calm the nerves of those affected. Please do not send tents for shelter, as the sight of posh housing is unfair on the population of neighbouring areas of Silverstream, Naenae and Avalon.