People in Edgecumbe are still cleaning up following Cyclone Cook and now the region is being drenched by the remnants of Cyclone Donna.

A severe weather warning is in place for heavy rain today.

The rain is expected to move to the east later today.

EQC continues to make progress on clearing properties in the Edgecumbe township that were badly affected by debris and silt from the April flooding event.

Earlier this week, Gerry Brownlee and Lead Minister for Edgecumbe, Hon Anne Tolley, announced that they have directed EQC to take the lead to clean up all affected properties in the township – including those homeowners who do not have insurance.

'EQC has a team of claim handlers and assessors on the ground in Edgecumbe over May and June handling claims for customers who require silt and debris removed from their properties following the storm event,” says a statement released by the EQC.

'They are available to help customers directly with their claim enquiries and assist the work crews to schedule houses to be cleared."

To date there have been 181 claims lodged with EQC for urgent work to be carried out. So far, 17 houses have been cleared, and the team estimates that around 40 houses will be cleared each week over the next 5 weeks.

EQC claims can be lodged online at www.eqc.govt.nz/claims, via email on info@eqc.govt.nz, or by calling 0800 DAMAGE (326 243).

$1 million lotteries grant for floods recovery

Internal Affairs Minister Hon Peter Dunne announced that $1 million of 2016/17 Lottery Grants Board reserves, resulting from profits of New Zealand Lotteries, has been allocated to a Lottery Grants Board Subcommittee set up to provide immediate assistance to Edgecumbe and the surrounding community affected by the Rangitaiki River stopbank breach.

Rural Support

The Rural Support Trust have now set up their recovery hub and can be contacted on 0800 787 254. EQC facilitators are out meeting with affected farmers to assist them to get the help they need. For farmers, this has meant re-sowing their flood-damaged pastures and applying fertilisers to boost pasture growth in a race to build feed cover for the winter months.

Extra feed in the form of hay and silage is also being sourced for the months ahead.

Livable homes

The Volunteer Army is now working with Whakatane District Council and other authorities on the Liveable Homes project as part of the recovery effort.

Many homes now need interior stripping, fencing and other tasks which require a skilled tradesperson.

NAVA is requesting help from builders and other qualified or experienced construction tradespeople to help with the Liveable Homes project.

If that's you, and you can contribute at least a full day any time from Monday, 15 May onwards, please get in touch with Wini on 021 068 8195 or navaops001@gmail.com The Eastern Bay Energy Trust has pledged insulation for houses needing repair, regardless of insurance status.

This will help to ensure healthier homes for all. Other initiatives may also arise through the delivery of this project.