Update No. 10

Spring Creek residents evacuated as a precautionary yesterday can return home this morning.

The Spring Creek stopbank held up well during yesterday’s flooding with no signs of seepage, slumping or overlapping but there is considerable surface flooding in the area.

It is also safe for Renwick residents can also return to their homes this morning.

Marlborough Emergency Management, Council and response agencies are currently working throughout the province to ascertain damage particularly in the Awatere, Wairau Valley, Northbank and Waihopai areas.

An Air Force Unimog was used to evacuate people from their vehicles in the Para Swamp area, SH1 last night.

Flight Lieutenant Mark Brain said about 20 people became stranded when rising water from the Wairau River flooded the road in front and behind them. A Unimog was used as the water was too deep for four wheel drive vehicles and and those affected were taken to Spring Creek and on to the Civil Defence Centre at Stadium 2000.

They were taken back to retrieve their vehicles this morning and State Highway One, which was down to one lane under stop/go management, has reopened.

Agencies will continue to closely monitor flood prevention infrastructure in the region for any changes after the significant weather event of the past 24 hours.The Wairau River has peaked and is now tracking down.

Rai Falls received 281mm of rain with many parts of the district getting more than 200mm of rain in line with initial MetService New Zealand forecasts.

There continues to be widespread flooding throughout the region. Travel is still not recommended unless absolutely necessary. If travel is required, please drive with extreme caution and to the road conditions.

Sign up to Antenno here: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/apps/antenno

Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at www.metservice.com/warnings/home

You can track Council’s Floodwatch here: http://hydro.marlborough.govt.nz/floodwatch

Read the latest NZ Transport Agency update at: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-bulletins/wet-and-windy-weather-on-the-way-for-top-of-the-south-drivers

For further information on emergency preparedness go to: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floods

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