The Earthquake Commission has worked with councils and contractors to clear silt and debris from 251 flood-damaged properties in the town of Edgecumbe, acting on a request from the Government.

The work accounts for 92% of all claims received by the commission after the April flood.

GM Customer and Claims Trish Keith says the commission’s response has required “a different approach” than normal.

“We have built an excellent relationship with the Whakatane District Council in regard to the response planning, and therefore we have been able to co-ordinate our resources and approach to the clean-up operation,” she said.

“This has included working closely with all the contracting companies that have been working to clear each property.

“The overall feedback from residents and our partners has been really positive.”

The commission says it is scheduling work for 11 of the remaining 21 properties and will soon finalise claims from the remaining 10 homeowners issued with a Dangerous Building Notice.