FLOODING LATEST The only way north out of Ashburton is by air - 17 roads shut, four bridges damaged and not passable, mayor says. Civil Defence orders residents of the low-lying areas of The Pines Beach, Coopers Creek to evacuate. State of emergency declared for entire Canterbury region after heavy rain and flooding Christchurch residents warned to conserve water over wastewater concerns. The Ashburton river is 1m away from bursting its banks, Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi says. Ten state highway closures in place throughout Canterbury. MetService extends the heavy rain warnings for the region.
People in parts of Canterbury are being ordered to head to higher ground as weather authorities extend a heavy rain warning for the region.
North Islander Judy Jeffrey was watching a movie with family at her grandson's new home when firefighters knocked on the windows, telling them to leave.
While rivers are receding in Canterbury, residents are being warned the risk is not over and some are still on standby to evacuate should the situation change.