A review into this year's Wairoa floods shows councils knew of the risks - but didn't address them

The Government's report into the flooding in the East Coast town has concluded urgent action's needed.

The review in part points the finger at the Hawke's Bay Regional, and the Wairoa District Councils -- for poor management of the river mouth and bar.

Massey University Emergency Management lecturer, Lauren Vinnell says this issue's been highlighted before.

She says actions must be taken and lessons learned this time around.