Flooding from the Waipaoa River near Te Karaka, Gisborne, New Zealand, Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Flooding and heavy rain along SH2 which is closed at Te Karaka, Gisborne, New Zealand, Sunday, January 31, 2010.

SH2 closed at Te Karaka as the Waipaoa River floods following heavy rain, Gisborne, New Zealand, Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Flooded fields South of Te Karaka as the Waipaoa River bursts its\' banks following heavy rain, Gisborne, New Zealand, Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Flooded fields South of Te Karaka as the Waipaoa River bursts its\' banks following heavy rain, Gisborne, New Zealand, Sunday, January 31, 2010.

Residents of Te Karaka watch the Waipaoa River as it floods from heavy rain and threatens their township, Gisborne, New Zealand, Sunday, January 31, 2010.