Two Lyttelton houses have been evacuated as a mud slip threatens the properties.
Lyttelton fire service reports that the slip compromised two houses at northern end of Hawkhurst Rd, with residents evacuated around 9.30pm.
Neighbours have been advised about the slip, but can remain in their homes at this stage.
-
Related
A heavy rain warning was issued for Canterbury south of the Waimakariri River this morning and although rain is expected to ease overnight, forecasts show a steady downfall will last until the morning.
Downpours since Monday have caused flooding and slips around the region, and earthquake damaged homes are buckling under the strain.
Christchurch resident Matt Baxter said the rain had caused further damage to his already broken house and he had to tie a tarpaulin over his house to prevent rain from leaking through the roof.
"I had to pierce a couple of holes in it and drain the water out so [the roof] didn't fall down as well."
Baxter said the rain was taking a toll on his family.
"It's shattering us, actually, yesterday I was up for an hour and a half in the rain. I was drenched."
Farmers in the region have also experienced difficulties through flooding, with the closure of many rural roads.
Emergency services have responded to numerous calls of burst river banks and flooding throughout the downpour.
Otago on flood watch
Meanwhile, farmers in Otago are on high alert for more flooding with calving season well underway.
Almost two weeks of solid rain in the region has left pastures damaged and feed supplies low.
Dairy farmer Jason Hayman said the last 10 days had been hard trying to keep calves out of the mud, but admitted he "can't beat mother nature".
"Normally we'd get rain for a 12, 24-hour period and then it's gone. This is the wettest it's been for the longest period of time.
The Waiareka Valley is one of the worst affected areas, with roads closed and properties cut off.
Forecasts show the rain is set to last overnight and ease tomorrow.
The council is continuing to advise those living in low-lying areas to keep a close watch on river flows and surface flooding.
The Waitaki District Council is warning motorists against travelling on rurals roads in the area unless absolutely necessary.
Twenty-nine roads are closed in the district and rural school buses servicing Oamaru schools will not be running tomorrow.
River level and rainfall information can be checked on the ORC water info webpage www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo by phoning 0800 426 463.
Check out your local forecast on our weather page.