In New Zealand, authorities in the Canterbury region declared a state of emergency after severe floods. Hundreds of people were evacuated due to the heavy rains. In some places, the height of the water was about 40 cm. Even a military helicopter had to be deployed to rescue a number of people from power.
Christchurch is located, among other cities, in the affected area. It’s been raining continuously in the area for several days now. Many streets are inaccessible, bridges are clogged and several rivers are feared to burst their banks. Residents of The Pines Beach town, located at the mouth of the Waimakariri River, have had to move to higher altitudes.
Helicopter rescue operations
In the town of Darfield, a man was said to have clung to a tree and then attempted to swim across it to take himself to safety, but was still being dragged by the current. A military helicopter searched the water for 30 minutes before the soldiers found the man and managed to pull him out. The helicopter also rescued two elderly people who were hiding on the roof of their car.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacina Ardern will later travel to Christchurch to get a better understanding of the situation. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was visiting the country, said his “thoughts are with all New Zealanders who participated in the floods.”
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