Canterbury is facing widespread disruption as heavy rain continues to lash the region, leading to evacuations, school closures, and major travel impacts.
Doyleston- Selwyn
Georgia de Boer
Selwyn District is under a state of emergency, with the Selwyn Huts community being asked to self-evacuate due to rising river levels. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell is heading to the region to assess the damage and support response efforts.
In Doyleston, south-west of Christchurch, streets have been transformed into fast-flowing waterways, with residents using tractors and trucks to protect homes and businesses.
Doyleston- Selwyn
Georgia de Boer
Flooding has closed key routes, including State Highway 75 between Birdlings Flat and Little River, and sinkholes have formed on State Highway 1 near Ashburton. Snowfall warnings are in place across several South Island passes, with heavy snow reported in the Mackenzie District, including Tekapo.
Doyleston- Selwyn
Georgia de Boer
Christchurch City Council has warned that the stormwater network is under strain. In some areas, toilets, sinks and showers may drain slowly or not at all as the system becomes inundated.
The Ministry of Education said 17 schools and three early childhood centres have closed across the region due to weather-related disruption.
