Whakatane Coastguard is operating under a different frequency due to a large slip on Muriwai Drive breaking its usual communication via VHF channel 16.

Heavy rain over the weekend caused numerous slips, including one in Ohope, which has left a teen dead.

There was 76mm of rain in the area on Saturday, flooding many buildings, including the Whakatane Coastguard headquarters on Muriwai Drive.

A large slip has also caused problems with the Coastguard's communications system, with many people being advised to use alternative means of getting hold of the service.

Communications spokesperson Stephen Clews says they are working on fixing the problem, but might not have it up and running for another week.

In the meantime, people are being advised to contact the Coastguard via telephone, email or to use VHF channel 80.

Stephen says it's important people don't try and use VHF channel 16 as this is the frequency which has been wiped out.

A slip took out the power cables, which feed the repeater site at the top of Kohi Point.

'We are reliant on batteries to power the repeaters, and as soon as they go flat, the local frequency won't be operational.”