Police are keeping an eye out for potential looters in South Dunedin after the floods.
Flooding at a house in South Dunedin. Photo: Ian Telfer/RNZ
Extra police patrols were on hand last night in the city where many people have left their homes to escape the floods.
Nine families spent last night in temporary accommodation including motels, while an unknown number stayed with relatives after two months' rain was dumped in a single day on the city earlier this week.
The council said it was too soon to put a dollar figure on the cost of the damage the one in 100 year flood caused, but said extensive repairs would have to be carried out to roads.
Senior Sergeant Phil McDouall said police would be keeping a close eye on the worst affected areas. He said unfortunately there would always be some who chose to profit from the sorrow of others.
So far there had been no reports of evacuated homes being broken into.
PHOTOS: Dunedin’s one in 100 year flood
Meanwhile, the Red Cross will be busy again today helping those forced out of their homes.
Red Cross volunteer Kathleen Cosgrove said her teams were still busy evacuating elderly and disabled residents yesterday, even as the flood waters receded.
She said some were trapped by mud or debris around their homes, which made things difficult for those with mobility issues.
Cosgrove said all of the emergency services worked together well in responding to the disaster.
A version of this story was first published on radionz.co.nz.