UPDATED 3.10PM: The exclusion zone cordon setup around Edgecumbe has been adjusted to allow some East Bank Road residents back to their homes.

A Whakatane District Council spokesperson says the adjustment applies to a total of five residences who will be notified as soon as possible.

'The cordon will be further adjusted as soon as safety requirements allow.”

The spokesperson also confirms water has also been reconnected to homes on East Bank Road.

In Edgecumbe alone, 1600 people have been displaced by the breaching of the floodwall on the Rangitāiki River.

Flood-affected residents who have any concerns or need information should call Whakatane District Council on 0800 306 0500.

EARLIER 1.55PM:

Two community meetings will be held today for flood-affected residents evacuated from their homes.

A Whakatane District Council spokesperson says the first meeting will be held at 4pm at Rautahi marae in Kawerau, while the second will be held at 6pm at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall.

'Local representatives, as well as members of the Whakatane Emergency Response Team, will be there to answer any questions the community may have.”

The spokesperson says a breach repair that's currently in place is working well and water is no longer flowing into Edgecumbe anymore. Water levels continue to drop around the Edgecumbe area, however the council anticipates it will take up to 10 days to dry.

'Residents may be away from their homes for up to 10 days and some Taneatua residents have also been evacuated due to flooding, which has prompted concerns about pets' welfare.

'Whakatane Emergency Response Team, with support from the SPCA, has been working together to search for animals in Edgecumbe.”

Residents in need of animal welfare support should call 0800 306 0500.

Due to the risk of contamination from flood waters, a boil water notice also remains in effect for Taneatua residents, alongside Te Teko/Mapou, Edgecumbe, Awakeri, Braemar and the entire Ruatoki and the Rangitaiki Plains areas.

EARLIER:

The Edgecumbe township remains cordoned off to ensure public safety while flood waters are still being managed and pumped away.

While a breach in a Rangitaiki River stopbank was closed overnight night and water levels have dropped, a Whakatane District Council spokesperson says an exclusion zone will remain in place.

Along with public safety, the exclusion zone also protects people from sanitation risks associated with sewage system failures and surface water contamination. Only response service personnel are allowed into the cordoned off area.

'In Edgecumbe alone, 1600 people have been displaced by the breaching of the floodwall on the Rangitaiki River.

'Residents may be away from their homes for up to 10 days and some Taneatua residents have also been evacuated due to flooding, which has prompted concerns about pets' welfare.”

Edgecumbe residents will not be allowed to return until the flood waters and contamination concerns are controlled and the Medical Officer of Health has cleared the area as safe.

Evacuees are being encouraged to either go to friends and family, or to the welfare centres located at Whakatane's War Memorial Hall and Kawerau's Rautahi Marae on Onslow Street.

The district council also encourages all evacuees to register at the welfare centres.

'There are still people isolated in the communities of Minginui, Ruatahuna, Te Whaiti and Rūatoki.

'Civil Defence staff have established key contacts in those areas. Emergency supplies are being delivered by air and ground crews are working to restore road access as quickly as possible.”

People in those isolated communities have been gathering at their local Kura Kaupapa or other community hubs and are encouraged to contact the Whakatane District Council to request further information or welfare support.

While more rural landowners in the Rangitaiki drainage area may be affected as floodwaters move down through the catchment.

'Flood Management teams are monitoring the situation and further evacuations will be notified as required.”

Bay of Plenty District commander Superintendent Andy McGregor says police would like to thank the residents of Edgecumbe for their continued co-operation and patience while they are unable to return to their homes.

'We'd like to reassure residents that we have not received any reports of looting since the town was evacuated on Thursday morning.

'Our officers are maintaining security checkpoints and patrols around the town and will continue to do so, throughout the day and night, to help keep homes and property safe.”

Police also understand people may have concerns about the security of their homes following the evacuations

But Andy says it's important they do not return until it is made clear by the appropriate authorities that it is safe to do so.

This morning the Whakatane Emergency Response Team, with support from the SPCA, Ministry for Primary Industries and Massey University experts, are also on the ground going door-to-door searching for animals in Edgecumbe.

But residents needing animal welfare support are being asked not attempt to return to homes at this stage but call the Whakatane District Council on 0800 306 0500 or 07 306 0500.

DONATIONS FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

The Whakatane District Council is are aware people are kindly donating small goods and food to flood affected residents.

But a spokesperson says the relief effort does not require any donated goods, and at this stage they are only able to manage financial assistance at this stage.

'An official Mayoral Fund Give a Little page has been set up for the Edgecumbe and Eastern Bay of Plenty Mayoral Flood Appeal.

'Money raised through the appeal will be used to fund applications made to the Mayoral Relief Fund to assist people affected by this week's flooding events.”

People can donate at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ebopmayoralfund

Offers of assistance should also be directed to the Give a Little fund or by calling Whakatane District Council on 0800 306 0500. Red Cross is also fundraising.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Whakatane District Council Facebook
• Bay of Plenty Emergency Management Civil Defence Facebook
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council Facebook
• Listen to IXX FM: 90.5FM
• To report road closures, slips, stormwater and sewerage problems call council on 306 0500
• See updated road closure information on the Whakatane District Council website
• To find the location of welfare centres dial the Council on 306 0500 or go on the Council's website at www.whakatane.govt.nz or Facebook page