Essentials have sold out at the local supermarket in Takaka as residents and tourists were left isolated after major slips on Takaka Hill closed the only road out.
The numerous slips on Takaka Hill left trees and debris littered all over the road and water rushing over it.
Supermarket owner Roger Tait says: "It's the worst bit of panic buying I’ve seen."
"I don’t think anyone really thought about the hill being closed and I think that’s what prompted the rush this morning."
The essentials are sold out including milk, bread and canned goods.
Mr Tait says they are hoping to have some supermarket essentials barged in by tomorrow.
1 NEWS reporter Kaitlin Ruddock says work has started to clear the slips on the road.
"They’re also looking at alternative ways of how to get transport over to Takaka township, getting food supplies and getting people back out again."
It could be several days before the Takaka Hill road is reopened to one lane.
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