Emergency response teams are concentrating their efforts on Canterbury’s most affected areas this morning, as residents continue dealing with the aftermath of slips and flooding that triggered evacuations overnight.

Fire and Emergency said around 80 callouts were recorded by late Thursday, involving waterlogged homes, damaged roofs, and blocked roads and drains.

Three homes on Lighthouse Road in Akaroa were evacuated due to a slip, and another home on Cressy Terrace in Lyttelton was also cleared as a precaution.

Crews are expected to return to these areas at first light, alongside flood-hit communities such as Selwyn and Banks Peninsula.

Southbridge Leeston Road in Selwyn saw a concentration of flood-related callouts, and firefighters are continuing to assist in that area, where roughly 40 homes have been affected.

Christchurch Civil Defence said landslips remain a major concern, with geotechnical teams due to assess unstable sites this morning. A slip has also forced the closure of Dyers Pass Road.

States of emergency are still in place for Christchurch, Selwyn, and Banks Peninsula.

In the 48 hours to Thursday morning, Banks Peninsula recorded more than 200mm of rainfall, while Christchurch experienced its fourth wettest day on record.

Additional updates from Selwyn District Council last night confirmed that the Selwyn River peaked at 5.30pm but remains dangerously high.

Due to saturated catchments and the risk of more rain, residents who voluntarily evacuated Upper Selwyn Huts have been advised to remain away overnight.

MetService has lifted heavy rain warnings for much of Canterbury  including Christchurch and Banks Peninsula  from south of the Waiau River down to Timaru.