A state of emergency was declared last night in Tairāwhiti and an estimated 30 families were evacuated from homes in Tolaga Bay.
And about 3am, the Hikuwai River reached 13.4m, although it has since fallen as the rains ease.
Tairāwhiti has received a soaking since Sunday, with one weather station between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay recording 372mm of rain since Sunday afternoon.
Gisborne/Wairoa Federated Farmers president Toby Williams has been sitting watch, and spoke to Charlotte Cook.
