More Kaikōura residents have been evacuated from their homes this afternoon as flooding continues to cause widespread disruption across the district, where a state of emergency remains in place.

Residents in the upper Red Swamp area, from Mill Road through to Red Swamp, are being evacuated, while West End, Green Lane and Ludstone Road have already been cleared.

A Kaikōura District Council spokesperson said people should not hesitate to act if they felt unsafe.

“If you feel your property, family or personal safety is at risk, do not wait for an official evacuation order. Self-evacuate to a safe location, preferably on higher ground, and let family or friends know where you are.”

The spokesperson urged evacuated residents to stay away from their properties for now.

“Please do not be tempted to go back to your homes tonight. Please wait until this evening once the situation has been reassessed.”

The Kōwhai River has breached its banks and teams are working on additional stop banks, with more rain expected. Lyell Creek remains within its banks, and community representatives are providing updates from Oaro and Kekerengū.

Search and Rescue teams are available to assist if required.

State Highway 1 remains closed both north and south of the town, and people travelling into Kaikōura are being turned around at Mangamaunu. Old Beach Road is also closed. The council asked people not to drive unless absolutely necessary and to take extreme care on the roads.

New Life Church is operating as a community support centre for evacuees but may not be able to provide overnight accommodation, with the council working on alternative options and encouraging people to stay with friends or family where possible. Takahanga Marae is full, and the Memorial Hall will open as the next evacuation centre from 5pm.

All water schemes are operating normally, although residents connected to the Kincaid Water Scheme are still asked to conserve water.

The council asked residents to follow instructions from emergency services, avoid driving through floodwater, and check on neighbours and vulnerable members of the community if it was safe to do so.