Hawke's Bay storm: Winds help dry out Ocean Beach | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

While strong winds might have caused power problems and annoyance across Central Hawke's Bay in the past few days they were just what the flood-recovering folk at Ocean Beach had wanted.

"With the wind we've been having it has been drying out well," Ocean Beach resident and local Civil Defence co-ordinator Dawn Bennett said.

The coastal village had been shut off through road and slip damage in the wake of the rain last month, although the road was now open.

"But it is still an issue," Ms Bennett said, adding access was still difficult.

Representatives from the Earthquake Commission spent the weekend, and Monday reviewing damage. She said the EQC appeared to appreciate just how damaging the storm had been.

Insurance company representatives had also been on site and it appeared there were no problems with insurance issues regarding damage to the baches and homes at the beach.

"It's just the personal insurance issues that need to be carried out."

With the land drying out, moving around the area was easier although it was clear many properties had not fared well after 20 or more days in saturated conditions.

"But no one is talking about leaving," she said.

Ms Bennett asked that the public not try to get to Ocean Beach because of the condition of the steep road in.