Cars and trees lie scattered in
the carpark of the Albany MegaCentre after a tornado struck the
area. Picture: Phil Walter / Getty Images
Source: The Advertiser
MOST Auckland residents whose properties were badly damaged in Thursday's tornadoes have returned home, but authorities say some of these properties may eventually be demolished.
Auckland Civil Defence allowed most residents back into their homes by Sunday, but Civil Defence controller Clive Manley said 22 properties, spread throughout Hobsonville and Whenuapai, may need to be knocked down or rebuilt.
"They are uninhabitable, they're not safe to be in," he told AAP.
"Those decisions on what to do will be made by their builders or insurers, depending on who owns them.
Residents described the tornado as "five minutes of utter devastation". Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images
"They have to decide whether to demolish or repair, they're that seriously damaged."
Mr Manley said six of the 22 were inside the cordon, which was put back up on Saturday to keep sightseers away.
He said 29 people were in emergency accommodation on Saturday night, down from 100 the night before.
Uprooted trees and storm debris are
scattered around the Auckland suburb of Hobsonville in the aftermath of
the tornado.Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images
"A lot of people have decided to stay in their homes while they're doing their repairs," Mr Manley said.
Power had been restored to all streets by Saturday, but several homes remained disconnected for safety reasons.
Mr Manley said he was happy with the response of civil defence.