A state of emergency was declared across Canterbury as heavy rains raised water levels and caused widespread flooding in the region. Meanwhile, hundreds of people were evacuated overnight and many more face the risk of abandoning their homes in the region. The administration says that in some areas, more than 40 cm of rain has been recorded. The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning to people in view of the possibility of heavy rains in the area till Monday evening. According to the Department, there is a possibility of some improvement in the situation after the evening.
With the help of New Zealand's Defence Forces, more than 50 people evacuated to safer places. Several highways, schools and offices closed. Ashburton's Mayor Neil Brown said half of region would need evacuation if the river's levees broke but still quite a bit of capacity in the river. We need it to stop raining to let those rivers drop.
Meanwhile, the acting minister for emergency management, Kris Faafoi said, "The government announced NZ$100,000 ($72,500) towards a Mayoral Relief Fund to support Canterbury communities impacted by the flooding. While it is still very early to know the full cost of the damage, we expect it to be significant and this initial contribution will help those communities to start to get back on their feet."
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that he is currently thinking about the people trapped in the floods. He said that both countries have been facing these problems. In recent years, both countries have had to face such challenges. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern plans to visit Christchurch on Monday after taking stock of the situation.
