In Tairāwhiti, a red warning for heavy rain is in place.

A massive downpour of biblical proportions hit Tolaga and Tokomaru Bays and Te Puia overnight.

Rivers burst their banks - washing out roads and bridges, spewing out piles of stones, trees and other muck.

Families have been forced to evacuate, homes are damaged, power is out, and there are numerous slips.

Tokomaru Bay resident Te Aomihia Pewhairangi spoke to Māni Dunlop about what happened.