2 Feb 2022

West Coast downpour - emergency operations on watch

From Midday Report, 12:10 pm on 2 February 2022

Emergency management operations are on watch on the West Coast, where heavy rain has been falling since early this morning. 

Waka Kotahi says there's surface flooding on the roads but no serious slips or highway delays. 

It says South Westland rivers are rising rapidly. 

Westpower says power is out for Fox and Franz Josef glaciers due to a fallen tree .

In Westport, nearly 70 residents at the O'Conor Rest Home are being evacuated and taken to alternative accommodation with family or other facilities throughout the South Island.

The Buller District council's also providing sand and sandbags for people to protect their properties.

The Department of Conservation has closed tracks on the West Coast.

West Coast emergency management director Claire Brown talks to Māni Dunlop.