Evacuations in Westport as flood risk rises

Buller district mayor Jamie Cleine has announced partial evacuations for areas of Westport that are at risk from flooding, with a severe rainstorm set to hit the West Coast today.

The decision has been made to safeguard lives, he said.

"People should leave as soon as possible."

A complete town evacuation would not be ruled out either, the mayor said, and another announcement was likely after 3pm.

He said people should be prepared to be away from home for up to three days – and be prepared to even sleep in vehicles.

There is significant potential for a flooding event tonight or tomorrow morning.

Cleine didn't know exactly how many properties would be affected at this stage.

Compulsory evacuation orders cover Snodgrass Rd, Coates St, Derby St and the area between Cobden St and the beach, Roebuck St, Menzies St, Marrs Beach area, and the Martins Creek area.

It's not predicted that the town would be cut-off at this stage.

Heavy rain has slowly moved up the West Coast of the South Island over the last few days, causing surface flooding, slips, closing roads and schools, and knocking out power and phonelines.

The Army has been scrambled to help while an NZDF NH90 Air Force helicopter was scheduled to fly into Westport this morning to help with getting supplies to cut-off communities.

Work to clear away a large slip blocking the Seddonville settlement wasn't possible during the night – and this morning Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says crews are working in continual rain trying to move heavy soil.

But Buller district controller Chris Hawker this morning said Emergency Management hadn't received any more major reports, other than surface flooding.

Red warnings remain in place for parts of Westland and Buller as the second phase of the rain hits.

"For Buller until 1am Saturday, extended periods of heavy rain will continue. Expect 250 to 350mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges on top of what has already fallen, and 120 to 220mm near the coast. Peak rates of 20 to 30mm/h about the ranges are anticipated," Westland District Council said.

"For Westland to Midnight Friday expect another 150 to 250mm of rain to accumulate near the ranges about and north of Fox Glacier, and 80 to 120mm near the coast. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm about the ranges are anticipated.

Te Aroha Cook, West Coast Group Controller, said that there was still a significant amount of rain to fall in this event.

Council workers and locals have been out sandbagging and preparing for the worst, with fears of another major flood like the one that devastated the town last winter.