Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, Storm Update 6, 11.45 am

Kaikoura district: Surface flooding in the area and roads leading into Kaikoura have been affected by slips, with no road access either side of Kaikoura. Driver caution is advised. The railway line is out of action. Almost 300 mm of rain in 24 hours.

Waimakariri and Hurunui districts have been affected by surface flooding, especially between the Waimakariri and the Ashley Rivers. Motorists are advised to stay off the roads throughout the Waimakariri district, in particular, the Waikuku Beach area where access is extremely limited.

Hurunui Civil Defence closely monitoring Leithfield township, Leithfield beach and Amberley beach communities as a sewage systems are at maximum capacity.

Waimakariri Civil Defence watching the Kaiapoi River, high tide this afternoon. Cust Main Drain and Cam River and their tributaries are very high.

There is surface flooding at Ohoka and Fernside.

At Sefton, reticulated water is safe to drink however residents with their own wells are advised to boil their water and use septic tanks as little as possible. There is also surface flooding at Woodend Beach and limited evacuations from Leithfield Beach and Amberley Beach.

Christchurch City Council has activated their EOC and is monitoring the Avon and Heathcote River levels.

Civil Defence is closely monitoring the area around Coe’s Ford, the Selwyn River, for possible flooding. Because of high water levels in Lake Ellesmere, the Selwyn River which empties into the lake is being closely monitored.

Timaru district – minor flooding, Milford huts are being monitored.

Ashburton district – Hinds River bridge crossing accessways at Boundary, Winslow and Hackthorn Roads washed out, alternative routes across that river need to be taken.

Met Service reports that the region can expect a further 30-50 mls of rain along the plains and 60-80 mls in the foothills.

Civil Defence is advising residents in low-lying areas to be prepared to evacuate from their homes if necessary, i.e. be prepared.

ENDS

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