Roads closed, residents evacuated after flooding in Gisborne, New Zealand

Another torrential rain has caused flooding in New Zealand, closing roads and causing evacuations on the east coast of the North Island. Severe flooding has caused widespread destruction in the Canterbury region of the South Island.

Gisborne Civil Defence reported that severe flooding in Tokomaru Bay forced some families to evacuate on their own. State Highway SH35 north and south of Tocomaru Bay is closed.

The Gisborne Borough Council reported that at least four other roads were washed out or blocked by landslides. Local media reported that flooding damaged a bridge and roads in Waipiro Bay, isolating about 15 homes.

Flooding along the Warekahika River was also reported. Civil Defense reported that some families had evacuated on their own and police and fire and rescue teams were working with them.