A surprisingly up-beat attitude from one Whanganui woman who's lost almost everything in the city's floods.

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Sandra Rickey lives east of the Whanganui River, and was evacuated from her rented home on Saturday night.

She's still not allowed back inside, but knowing the water was contaminated with sewage, a lot of her property will be ruined.

Rickey said she doesn't have contents insurance, but she'll be ok, with the support of the community behind her.

"What's the point once the milk is spilled? There's no point crying over it. And it is devastating, but luckily for Whanganui we've got such a huge community spirit."

Sandra Rickey said her landlord reckons the house she's been living in will have to be knocked down.

Wanganui District Council spokeswoman Cass Alexander said they aren't asking for volunteers to help just yet.

"We're encouraging people in the community to stay where they are, check on their neighbours, phone us if there are any issues."

"But please don't go out there to clear anything, the water is still contaminated in flooded areas."

Cass Alexander said volunteers will be needed once the clean up starts - and people can register by calling 06 348 8237.

"We'd much rather it was coordinated through Civil Defence so everyone's on the same page."

"It's also so we've got safety measures in place and we're acting as a community."

Helicopters have been playing a major part in getting the Whanganui region back on its feet.

Mayor Annette Main admits one of her main concerns is for those living rurally.

She adds there are still large numbers who can't get out of their homes.

"We started a program of either airlifting them out by helicopter or getting necessary supplies to them."

Annette Main has said those who need help or need to get out of their home, should get in contact with the council.