Roads are reopening in the Eastern Bay of Plenty this morning after floodwaters inundated the region, cutting off access.

The main routes between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki - Wainui Rd and State Highway 2 Waimana Gorge - were still closed. Contractors working to have one lane open under stop/go management on Wainui Rd by 8am.

Opotiki District Council said road crews were checking the state of the roads in the area.

Reid and Rewatu Rds were still closed, but Awahou Rd had reopened.

Footage taken by Bay of Plenty Helicopters showed the extent of the flooding on Wednesday after 24 hours of heavy rain.

Roads and properties can be seen completely submerged, with vehicles attempting to negotiate the floodwaters.

Several vehicles had to be pulled from floodwaters, One person was rescued from the top of their vehicle after attempting to travel through floodwaters on SH2 near Waiotahe Valley Rd.

Police said a member of the public helped the person to safety before police arrived.

“Thankfully, the person did not require medical attention, however, incidents like this are a reminder to the public to take caution around flooded areas,” Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said.

Flooding on Reid Rd near Ruatoki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Whakatāne District Council activated its Emergency Operations Centre on Wednesday.

A video sent to the Rotorua Daily Post showed a vehicle being pulled out of floodwaters on Reid Rd near Ruatoki, and Tāneatua School had closed because of the flooding.

Slips also closed two major routes into Rotorua for a time.