Business owners on Whanganui's Taupo Quay have been let back inside the cordon to see their properties for the first time since the weekend's flooding.
About 100 business owners were waiting outside the cordon this morning to see their businesses and assess the damage.
Whanganui business owners wait at the cordon this morning to see their riverside properties for the first time. Photo: RNZ / Tom Furley
Police escorted them in and out, for about an hour early this afternoon, because they said the area was still not considered safe.
Some property owners spoken to by Radio New Zealand News said they had no idea what they would see inside their businesses - but based on the state of Taupo Quay, there could be serious damage.
Flooding damage to a business on Taupo Quay. Photo: RNZ / Tom Furley
Michael Beattie, who runs Inksmiths Tattoo Studio, said flooding damage had closed his shop for good. He said the studio was not insured - so he would have to foot the bill.
Frances Sim-Higgins, who owns Left Bank Art Supplies, said she also opened her shop doors to find a sea of mud.
Left Bank Art Supplies Photo: Frances Sam-Higgins
Photo: Frances Sam-Higgins
A state of local emergency remained in force today in Whanganui and Taranaki.
About 400 people were still unable to return to their properties and more evacuations were expected in rural areas today.
Whanganui Mayor Annette Main said some homes would be uninhabitable for a long time and it was not yet known whether any would be condemned.
Ms Main said water from the river had receded but there was deep mud on many streets.
Whanganui East's Anzac Parade, which is still caked in mud and silt, remained cordoned off by police.
