Edgecumbe residents whose houses are in dry zones will be given access to their homes for a brief period today.

These residents are asked to go to Civil Defence Centres at Rautahi Marae in Kawerau, Whakatane War Memorial Hall or Awakeri School to register.

They will be escorted into their homes on a rostered basis for 10-15 minutes.

Whakatane District Council says the process is planned to occur on a rolling basis as follows: Awakeri from 10am-12pm; Kawerau 12pm-2pm; Whakatane 2pm-4pm.

Drop-in sessions will also be held today to enable people to speak with people from various agencies one-on-one. These people will be able to assist with information, support and advice. Information will be available, including a map showing inundation areas. This map is also available on Whakatane District Council's website.

The drop in sessions are taking place from:

• 9am at Awakeri School
• 11am at Kawerau (Rautahi Marae – Onslow Street)
• 12pm at Whakatane (Whakatane War Memorial Hall)

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

The Edgecumbe township remains largely cordoned off to ensure public safety while flood waters are still being managed and pumped away, and to protect people from sanitation risks associated with sewage system failures and surface water contamination.

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. The 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.

Evacuees should go to friends and family or to the Civil Defence centres at Whakatane (War Memorial Hall) or Kawerau (Rautahi Marae – Onslow Street). Whakatane District Council encourages all evacuees to register at the Civil Defence centres.

An official Mayoral Fund Give a Little page has been set up for the Edgecumbe & Eastern Bay of Plenty (EBOP) Mayoral Flood Appeal and people can donate at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ebopmayoralfund