On Friday 3 October Mother Nature vented her fury on the coastal township of Paekakariki. I had travelled south through Paekakariki at about 6.00pm in heavy rain and slower than usual traffic and later placed my daughter on the 7.00pm northbound train from Plimmerton, little appreciating events that were to unfold shortly thereafter. The train became stranded at Paekakariki station, unable to move north or south due to the deluge of water, mud, rubble and rocks that invaded the town from the eastern hills.

A natural disaster had struck and a local state of emergency was declared. Many homes were evacuated, and for some residents it may be several months before they can re-occupy their homes and resume normal family life. The devastation wreaked in such a short time is difficult to comprehend and will take time to restore.

Knight Frank – Rolle Valuations undertakes compensation claims for the Earthquake Commission and insurance companies and has viewed a number of the affected properties, some of which are totally infiltrated with silt. Where floodwaters invaded the dwelling itself, everything has been stripped out to dry and wall linings have been partially removed. While structures, appliances, furniture and fittings can be replaced quite readily, personal treasures and mementos are obviously much more difficult and frequently impossible to replace. Our sympathy and support goes out to those who have suffered.

• This event again illustrates the need for disaster planning and asset protection and we are willing to advise.