New Zealand storms spark flooding and evacuations, mobilisation of troops

PHOTO: Homes in the Henley township in the Otago region were inundated with water

Rescue services and troops in New Zealand are working around the clock to help those affected by a severe storm that has sparked flooding and led to the evacuation of hundreds of homes.

A state of emergency has been declared in the South Island cities of Christchurch, Otago, Timaru and Dunedin, the island's second-largest city.

In Christchurch, the Heathcote River burst its banks and flooded southern parts of the South Island city this morning.

VIDEO: Motorists brave a flooded state highway near Dunsandel in New Zealand

The New Zealand Defence Force has deployed at least a dozen trucks and 140 personnel to provide emergency services and help rescue those trapped by rising floodwaters.

Fire and rescue officer Mark Bradford said while flooding was the main issue in Christchurch, some houses were affected by landslides.

"We've had actually had quite a few slips, landslides coming down against houses," he said.

"There's been about three of them so far over the last 12 hours, some houses have been evacuated from there."

He said crews had rescued several people stranded in floodwaters.

Emergency services are now focused on the Taieri River near Dunedin, after predictions it would rise to near-record levels today.

Those evacuated near Christchurch were told not to return home until at least Sunday.

PHOTO: Rain had been expected to gradually ease throughout the day.

New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said his "thoughts are with those affected by the weather events".

"Please follow official advice and take care of each other," the Prime Minister tweeted.

The country's weather bureau said rivers in affected areas remained at very high levels on Saturday morning, after some areas were hit with more than 200 millimetres of rain in 24 hours.

PHOTO: Otago Regional Council says the floodway at Otokia has been performing as planned.

It predicted that rain should gradually ease throughout Saturday, however it said cold temperatures and blizzard-like conditions could affect those at higher levels.

A front is forecast to move up the South Island on Monday, then to weaken as it crosses the North Island overnight Monday, the New Zealand MetService said.

PHOTO: The flooded State Highway 1 south of Christchurch.

The weather front is forecast to move to the east of the country by Tuesday.

In good news for the rugby-mad nation, however, a Super Rugby quarter-final between Dunedin and Christchurch on Saturday night was scheduled to go ahead after fears the storm could have disrupted the match. 🔵