State of emergency declared in New Zealand's Kaikoura amid severe flooding

A state of emergency was declared in New Zealand's Kaikoura district on Tuesday after the Kowhai River burst its banks following intense rainfall, prompting evacuations and widespread disruption.

Local authorities said residents in low-lying areas were urged to move immediately to higher ground as floodwaters spread across parts of the coastal town, known internationally for its whale-watching industry.

The Kaikoura District Council declared the emergency shortly before the river breached, with officials warning the full extent of damage was not yet known.

Emergency shelters have been set up. Key transport routes, including State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikoura, have been closed, while a bridge washout has cut inland access.

MetService said more than 100 mm of rain had fallen over the past 24 hours in several locations, with nearly 200 mm recorded inland. Rivers have risen rapidly and some exceeded typical flood levels.

The storm system has also impacted other parts of the South Island, where a state of emergency remains in place in Waitaki District. Power outages affecting dozens of properties near Kaikoura could last several days.

Heavy rain warnings remain in force, and further rainfall is expected to worsen conditions, according to MetService.

xinhua