Fire and Emergency respond to flooding in Kapiti Coast

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been responding to multiple calls about widespread flooding in Kapiti Coast, north of Wellington, this morning.

Since 2.30am there have been more than a dozen callouts to flooding in the Paraparaumu beach/Raumati South area.

The combination of heavy rain and high tide has caused flooding in low lying areas.

Some stormwater drains have not been able to cope with the amount of water coming through.

Both career and volunteer firefighters are working with the local council to respond.

Fire and Emergency Assistant Area Commander Gareth Hughes says six properties have been evacuated as a precaution, and the affected residents have gone to stay with friends or relatives.

"Our crews have been working extremely hard since the early hours of this morning to help our community," he says.

Fire and Emergency is expecting to get many more calls after first light, when people start to wake up and have the chance to assess their homes and properties for flooding.

Another bout of rain is also expected to hit the area in the next couple of hours.

For the latest weather information, visit www.metservice.com

For more information about what to do after a storm or flooding event visit https://www.civildefence.govt.nz.

Remember to avoid non-essential travel during severe weather, and never drive through floodwaters.

ENDS

© Scoop Media