21 Nov 2011

Helicopter rescues people caught in flooding

10:07 pm on 21 November 2011

Wild weather around the country is causing flooding in the South Island with some people having to be rescued by helicopter on the West Coast.

The harsh conditions also stopped some flights in Wellington and two people were injured in Wairarapa by a falling tree. There has also been flooding in west Otago.

Heavy rain on the West Coast in the past 24 hours has resulted in record high river levels in the Grey Valley. Some stock has been lost as a result.

The river peaked in Greymouth on Monday evening, and the flood waters are expected to gradually recede overnight.

The Grey District Council says the river reached more than 6.7 metres - below the top of Greymouth's flood wall.

But it says no further significant rainfall is expected within the catchment, and Civil Defence, which was on stand by, has been stood down.

The council says a number of roads remain closed, and motorists who must travel are warned to be aware of hazards such as slips, slumping, and wandering stock.

River peaks at 8.7m

Michael Meehan of the West Coast Regional Council says the Grey Valley catchment has recorded 255mm of rain since 4.30pm on Sunday.

"Ahaura River has reached 8.7 metres, the highest level on record for that river. And the Waipuna (river) has reached its highest level since 1977," he said.

Mr Meehan says there have been some road closures and flooding around Greymouth, but the river is not expected to overlap the floodbank in the township.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says the worst of the problems have been in the Grey Valley.

"Up at Totara Fkat a mother and her child were rescued by a railway work gang that were in the vicinity. She was stranded so they got her out with their big truck.

"A farmer got into trouble while taking his sheep on to higher ground and was plucked out as well and tehre's numerous people blocked on the roads between Greymouth and Ikamatua," he said.

A pilot with Ahaura Helicopters near Greymouth Heath Bagnall says he's been picking up cattle to safety, and also picked up some farm workers whose house was surrounded by flood waters.

Meanwhile, the Tasman District Council says the flow of the lower Motueka River has dropped, and there are no problems to report.

Otago flooding and Wellington flights hit

The Clutha District Council says there is flooding in some parts of West Otago, with Greenvale Road, from Ardmore Road to Cross Road, currently closed. Wooded Hill Road and Koi Flat Road are also closed. They will all remain closed overnight.

However, rain has eased in the area, although Pomahaka River levels are still high.

Two people who were hit by a falling tree in wind-affected Wairarapa have both suffered serious leg injuries that will require surgery.

The Greytown couple, who are in their 60s, are in a stable condition in Masterton Hospital.

They were struck by the tree just 11am on Monday while out walking.

In Wellington, the airport says heavy winds caused flight cancellations and delays on Monday.

Air New Zealand says Flight 417 could not land and was turned back to Auckland.

NZ432 from Wellington to Auckland, which was due to depart at midday, was cancelled because of heavy winds.

MetService says winds have reached up to 100km/h at the airport and could go to 130km/h.

Gusts reached 146km/h at about 9am in the suburb of Kelburn.