21 February 2009

Civil Defence Warning

Heavy rains continue to fall in South Canterbury foothills and coastal areas.  All South Canterbury rivers are in light flood conditions and are expected to continue to rise throughout the day. Up to 110-130 mm of rain has fallen in the area in the last 24 hours.

Phil Lees, Environment Canterbury Flood Controller, says farmers adjacent to rivers need to continue to monitor river conditions and consider moving stock from low lying areas.

Currently, rivers with higher flows are:

-Pareora: 405 cumecs

-Waihao: 225 cumecs

- Opihi: (at the Gorge) 100 cumecs

-Tengawai: 255 cumecs

All other rivers in this area are flowing at light flood levels. There have been no reports of breakouts along these rivers. There will be also be surface flooding in some areas and drivers should approach flooded areas with caution and avoid areas of potential flooding.

MetService Service forecast is for more rainfall today, with another 40-60mm in the foothills and coastal areas of South Canterbury.  Rains to ease off later this afternoon.

More river and rainfall information is available via Environment Canterbury’s River Report 24 hour info line, 0900 RIVER (74837).  Calls are 50 cents a minute.  Alternatively, river and rainfall information about the rivers is updated regularly at www.ecan.govt.nz.

The Regional and South Canterbury Emergency Management Offices in South Canterbury are monitoring the situation.  Emergency Operations Centres will activate if necessary.  

 
ends

© Scoop Media