As rain continues to hit the South, farmers and insurance companies said it would be a while before they could count the cost of the damage.
Federated Farmers adverse events spokeswoman Sandra Faulkner said the organisation was communicating with farmers, councils, emergency management and the Rural Support Trust to ensure everyone kept safe and had the right resources.
"We’re concerned about the water that’s landing ... Those already swollen rivers need to be able to cope with it.
"And some of them may not."
Although "no two weather events were the same", the impact of the rain was likely to be felt by farmers for some time after it subsided, she said.
"As the weather event moves across the landscape, that’s going to impact farmers as those rivers continue to rise even when it’s stopped raining.
"Once the water recedes, then it’s understanding the impact on your business."
She advised people to be prepared for this event to have some lasting effects.
"Remember to take good care of yourself and your family — and that’s both physical and emotional, because these events take a real toll on people."
Simon Davies, who farms near Toko Mouth in Clutha, said the area had received "a truckload of rain" in the space of 48 hours.
"We would have received more than 130mm ... We prepared for it; we moved stock and cleared the vulnerable areas. But it actually caught us out a little bit.
"There were paddocks under water that I’d never seen before under water," Mr Davies said.
Insurance Council spokesman Kris Faafoi said this was an unsettling time for many people.
"Our members are there ready to help customers, even though it may be difficult right now for people to gauge the full impact of the damage on their home and vehicle or business.
"Those who are out of their homes due to flooding or have evacuated should contact their insurer to discuss temporary accommodation support, which is generally available under most home policies and many contents policies, and lodge any claims. Insurers can arrange for emergency repairs needed to make homes safe as soon as areas are safely accessible ... We expect to see a number of claims from this event though it’s too early at this stage to estimate how many there will be or the potential cost."
