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Residents of Awatoto, a flood-stricken part of Hawke's Bay, are facing potential health risks from toxic sludge and contamination caused by the flooding. The community is adjacent to one of Napier's largest industrial centers, and damage to nearby plants has posed health concerns. Although the risk of pollution contaminating residential areas of Awatoto is now "low," residents have expressed concerns about looting and a lack of communication from local authorities regarding the situation.
The Napier City Council says it is working closely with Civil Defense to coordinate response efforts in Awatoto. The council has provided email and paper notices to residents and has made welfare checks via phone to those who are not in their homes. The council has also given residents in the area full personal protective equipment for any cleanup work they may need to do.
Council contractors will begin collecting flood-damaged rubbish in Meeanee, with plans to move into further areas over the next few days. Meanwhile, residents continue to call and email the council to get more information about the situation and to request the removal of the silt and protection for their homes if they have to leave.