New Zealand cities declare state of emergency after storm

Hundreds of homes are evacuated and the army is mobilised as a severe storm causes chaos on the South Island.

Saturday 22 July 2017 15:26, UK

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Floods after severe storm in New Zealand
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A state of emergency has been declared in parts of New Zealand after a severe storm caused widespread flooding on the South Island.

Hundreds of homes have been evacuated, highways cut and the army called in to help deal with rising floodwaters.

Flooded areas in the Otago region
Image: Flooded areas in the Otago region

Christchurch, the island's largest city, declared a state of emergency after the Heathcote River burst its banks and flooded southern parts of the city on Saturday morning.

States of emergency were also declared in Dunedin, the island's second largest city, and Timaru and Otago, on Saturday.

Floodwaters have left highways blocked
Image: Floodwaters have left highways blocked

Rivers in affected areas remained at very high levels on Saturday morning, after some areas were hit with more than 7.8 inches of rain in 24 hours.

Prime Minister Bill English wrote on Twitter: "My thoughts are with those affected by the weather events in the South Island. Please follow official advice and take care of each other."

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