The extent of the damage across the region became apparent yesterday as surface flooding receded and the clean-up operation began.
Waitaki Civil Defence spokesman Scott Ridley today said the area was slowly returning to normal.
"Some places that were looking like lakes are starting to look normal, even if they are sodden," he said.
"Our roads aren't in ideal condition any more but we'll get on to fixing them over the coming months."
Mr Ridley said about 50 rural roads remained closed, but some could reopen as contractors assessed and prioritised repairs.
The about 3500 residents of Palmerston in Waitaki district remained on restricted water supplies to prevent contamination from polluted water, he said.
The local reservoir has enough water for three days, provided residents conserved water, and the main supply would be restored once the Shag River level dropped.
An New Zealand Army Unimog, police and civil defence staff delivered food and water over the weekend to areas isolated because of high water and land slips.
Mr Ridley said while some residents remained cut off, they were "all sorted".
It was too early to say how much the clean-up effort would cost, although it was likely to be in the millions, he said.
"There won't be an official figure from the council for days, if not weeks."
Mr Ridley said the flood was not as bad as expected but "it's definitely one of the biggest we've had in the last few years".
"We're pleased with the response, we never want it to flood but we're please with how things went, and we're really pleased with how the people of Waitaki reacted in looking after their neighbours and lending a hand of support."
CLUTHA ROADS REOPENING
Most roads closed due to the weekend's flooding in the Milton/Bruce area have reopened.
Bull Creek Rd remains closed due to a culvert washout. Temporary alternative access is being constructed, and a detour road is expected to be opened by the end of today.
Johnson St, in Milton, at the corner of Cowper St, is closed due to an unauthorised trench being dug in the road.
Titri Rd, Young Road, Taieri Ferry Rd, and Berwick Rd, all near Waihola, are still closed due to flooding.
Elliotvale Rd and Toko Mouth Rd are now open, but motorists are asked to exercise caution due to scouring on the road.
All other roads are open, bu many are affected by scouring, pot holes and debris.
