The aftermath

At the time there was no search and rescue so instead New zealand forestry service, police, Navy personel and local farmers helped the survivors and worked throughout the night. The Waiouru Military Camp provided the much-needed manpower as well as shelter and transport to assist survivors and those involved in the rescue mission. Oil, silt and muddy water covered the survivors and rescuers and as the sun rose and the people saw for the first time the extent of damage.
The rescue mission soon turned into a body recovery mission and land owners beside the river were told to look out for bodies as they were discovered as far down as the river mouth 130 km away. About 60 were found but sadly in the end nearly 20 were never recovered. It is believed that some were even washed out to sea.