Police are calling on the army to help evacuate hundreds of residents in the central North Island.

Heavy rain has isolated a number of communities and flooded campgrounds in Hawke’s Bay.

Police have released a statement to say they are working with the council in three main affected areas: Waimarama, Clifton and Te Awanga.

These areas are affected by flooding and have been cut off.

Residents who have been affected are being evacuated by police, council and the army.

Police area shift commander Mark Oliver says it is believed up to 500 houses may need to be evacuated on the East Coast.

He says Civil Defence is already involved in the operation and the Salvation Army is supplying food and essentials for those displaced by the weather.

Mark Oliver says adding to the drama is the fact State Highway Four is closed.

He says a heavy truck and trailer unit crashed in the rain last night, killing a number of the cattle it was carrying.

Mr Oliver says a crane is being brought in from Hamilton to clear the scene but the weather is making it difficult.

In Taupo, residents are being urged to be careful as they wake to the aftermath of yesterday’s storm.

High winds cut power to more than 10,000 homes in the district yesterday and closed roads including State Highway Five to Rotorua.

Taupo District Council emergency manager Phil Parker says power hasn’t been restored to all areas yet.

He says people should treat all lines as live.

Last night, residents were told to boil all their drinking water, check on neighbours and stay at home.

“Just in case there are some problems, and the power is likely to go on and off again, that type of thing and also check your property and make sure it’s secure,” he says.

Mr Parker says there’s still quite a bit of debris flying around and the council doesn’t want people getting hit by it.

The wild weather has also reached Hawke’s Bay.

Emergency services are evacuating properties in Clive, near Hastings.

Heavy rain is expected in Gisborne today and strong southeast winds to reach gale force in exposed places.

Forecasters warned last night the foul weather could remain for the rest of the school holidays.

– NewstalkZB

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