One Week On: Wellington Mayor Orders Stormwater Review as Flood Clean-up Intensifies
One week after a "freak" 77mm-per-hour deluge, Wellington residents in Berhampore and Island Bay begin the long recovery process as council reviews a failing stormwater system.
By: AXL Media
Published: Apr 28, 2026, 6:23 AM EDT
Source: RNZ Pacific

Recovery Efforts in Hard-Hit Suburbs
One week after the sudden flooding on April 20, the streets of Berhampore are lined with "one-tonne" white council bags and piles of ruined furniture.
Waste Collection: The council is providing free pickup for large items like fridges and furniture, as well as building materials like GIB board, to assist those without private insurance skips.
Displaced Residents: Initial estimates suggest up to 25 homes may be currently uninhabitable.
Timeline: Collection efforts are expected to run at least through the end of this week and likely into next week depending on demand.
"Homeless in Half an Hour"
Categories
Topics
Related Coverage
- After the Deluge: Wellington Counts the Cost of "Tsunami-Like" Flash Floods
- Science of a Disaster: How Fine-Scale Dynamics and Saturated Soils Fueled Wellington’s Record-Breaking Flash Floods
- Rescue Operations to Maintain Helicopter Use Despite Massive Cost Hike
- Surge in Injured Albatross Arrivals at Wildbase Hospital Linked to Severe Storms