The effects

The effect on the people was huge. New Zealands' population was only at 2 million back then so many people had direct relationship with the deceased. The fact that it happened on Christmas eve made it even more unbearable as tattered, soaked and ripped presents washed up as the river receded; presents that awaiting family members never got.

As the sun came up on Christmas day the extent of the damage was first seen. The bridge was in pieces with parts nearly 100 metres further downstream. The whole river looked like a estuary at low tide with all the silt, rock and mud. Although it only took aproxamatley 45 minute for the lahar to subside, it was clear to everyone how amazingly high it had reached.