Several street in Kawerau are underwater after heavy rains overnight caused extensive flooding in the Eastern Bay of Plenty township.

Fire Northern Communications shift manager Carren Larking​ says in the five hours since 6am, they had received 12 call outs to properties affected by the flooding, mostly in the River Road area.

'We've had two crews working non-stop since dawn this morning, going from one call-out to the next, to the next. The service received a couple of calls last night, but a few of the houses our crews couldn't get their appliances too.

'There was no danger to life or people in those instances and our crews have since attended those properties this morning, so the water must be receding a little.”

Carren says Kawerau District Council workers are also assisting fire crews to manage the flooding and have been working since 3am clearing drains.

Speaking to Fairfax Kawerau Mayor Malcolm Campbell says there was a lot of surface flooding in the centre of town, and estimated the main street had up to four centimetres of water in it.

Have you been affected by the flooding?

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- Additional reporting stuff.co.nz