Residents of the flood-ravaged Whakatane District have vented their frustration at a public meeting tonight.

MORE: Heavy rain, flooding, slips around corner

About 1600 people were evacuated from Edgecumbe and surrounding areas on Thursday.

The residents of five houses have been allowed to return home today, but some may never be able to return.

Attendees at tonight's meeting were visibly angry, jeering at council officials.  A number of locals left early in frustration. 

Some of them argued that they shouldn't have to pay rates if they aren't going to live in their homes for the next two weeks. 

Others called for an independent review into the breach of the stop bank, which the government is considering.