New Zealand's authorities have evacuated hundreds of families living near the east coast as flash floods knocked the country this week, domestic media said on Tuesday.
New Zealand's east coast was smashed by heavy rains on Saturday, sparking dangerous flash flooding that forced the evacuation of Kairaki, Waikuku, and Okuku regions as the fast-moving waters unmoored houses, engulfed roads, stranded towns, and cut power lines.
Most evacuation warnings were cleared across these districts on Tuesday morning.
In Canterbury, the country's biggest territory, authorities pleaded for citizens to stay at home as a major dam overflowed and a mini-tornado tore through its suburb.
In the same context, Civil Defence authorities urged the residents to stay away from floodwater and to not travel unless absolutely necessary.
In a statement released this morning by Civil Defence authorities, it said: “If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater."
Domestic media also reported that the house owners had managed to evacuate.
Watch: Hundreds of families evacuated as flash floods hit New Zealand’s east coast bellow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBA4e8OxlmE
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