Nicky returns to Barrett from vacation to find emergency vehicles preparing to move out- a flash flood has washed out a group of college students in the Waipuru Valley. Nicky joins the Search and Rescue effort along with Alistair, Ken, and Helen. Almost before they begin Helen joins the ranks of the invalids, and is told to look after Ryan, one of the walking wounded. The troops reach the site of the devastation to find everything in a state of chaos, with one student dead and several missing.