Residents in Little River on Banks Peninsula are expressing their frustration and anger as they believe that opening a nearby lake to the ocean could have prevented the flooding that occurred in the area. Little River, situated about 30 kilometers south of Christchurch, was severely affected when State Highway 75 was submerged under half a meter of water, leaving the town cut off.
After the Christchurch City Council opened Lake Forsyth-Wairewa to the ocean, homes and businesses had already suffered from flooding. Despite the council’s claim that opening the lake earlier would not have prevented the flooding, residents argue that the water drained rapidly once the lake was opened, indicating its potential effectiveness in mitigating the damage.
Mario Downes, a longtime resident of Little River, criticized the council for not taking action sooner. He emphasized the need for common sense in responding to weather events and suggested that opening the lake earlier could have made a significant difference in minimizing the impact on the town.
Lisa Ashfield, who owns a second-hand store in the town, faced extensive damage due to the flooding. She highlighted the importance of proactive measures like opening the lake to reduce the severity of the flooding’s aftermath.
Andrew Davis, the manager of a local service station, described the devastation caused by the floodwater, indicating the challenges ahead in recovering from the damage. Callum Fawcett, another resident, pointed out that the council was aware of the impending weather conditions but failed to act promptly, leading to the current situation.
Despite the council’s statement that opening Lake Forsyth earlier would not have prevented the flooding, residents believe that proactive measures could have made a difference. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell defended the officials’ handling of the storm but acknowledged the challenges faced by the affected communities.
