A state of emergency has been declared in part of Timaru, where people were evacuated from homes at risk of flooding last night.
The declaration covers the Pleasant Point-Temuka ward, where damage to flood banks on the south side of the Opihi River put homes and lives in danger.
About 15 people at Pleasant Point were evacuated.
Environment Canterbury rivers manager Leigh Griffiths told RNZ they need to assess the stopbank this morning and make repairs.
The Timaru District Council said there was "a risk of flooding in a specific section of the Ward following damage to a stop bank along the South side of the Opihi River between Butlers Rd and Kerrytown Rd".
“Extensive scouring of the stop bank poses a flooding risk with potential to be a threat to life and property.”
Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management said police had helped to evacuate some residents overnight.
The council said it would continue to monitor the situation, and any residents who had not been contacted were not considered at risk.
An update is expected this morning.
