Heavy rain continued to batter New Zealand’s South Island on Tuesday, triggering flood warnings, forcing roads and bridges to close and prompting a local state of emergency as a powerful storm system moved southward from the North Island, Reuters reported.
New Zealand’s weather bureau said a low-pressure system off the country’s east coast was expected to bring further bursts of heavy rain through Tuesday, with rivers and streams likely to rise rapidly and landslips possible. Large waves and dangerous sea conditions were also forecast.
A state of emergency was declared on the Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, the South Island’s second-largest city, after flooding, fallen trees and landslides disrupted communities and cut communications and power in some areas.
Local officials warned that water levels had risen quickly in some locations, and some households were advised to boil water for drinking after flooding damaged a water treatment facility. The tourist town of Akaroa, about 90 kilometres northwest of Christchurch, was cut off as floodwaters and slips blocked access roads.
The storm system had already caused widespread disruption earlier in the week on the North Island, where heavy rain and strong winds grounded flights, closed roads and cut power to tens of thousands of customers. Meteorological authorities have issued warnings across large parts of the country as the severe weather system moves slowly south.
Authorities urged residents in affected regions to exercise caution, stay updated with weather advisories and avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.
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