An inquiry is expected to look into the severe flooding in Wairoa

The town is still in a State of Emergency after severe rain and flooding left hundreds of homes and garages water damaged.

Slips have closed State Highway 38, between Frasertown and Lake Waikaremoana - it's open for residents and emergency services.

Mayor Craig Little, says there needs to be an investigation into why the channel at the river mouth wasn't dug earlier.

He says residents are frustrated the Hawke's Bay Regional Council didn't make the decision sooner.