Franz Josef Civil Defence response: Conan Young

A Civil Defence briefing has taken place at Franz Josef as the West Coast grapples with the effects of torrential rain and flooding over the weekend. Meanwhile the Timaru district remains in a state of emergency. The second biggest flood there in 40 years has blocked the two bridges over the Rangitata River, and an alternative route to SH1 via Arundel is expected to be open by noon. Over on the West Coast SH 6 through the Haast Pass is expected to reopen about noon. Following a massive slip blocking SH 6 further north almost 1,000 tourists are trapped at Franz Josef, from where Conan Young updates Kathryn Ryan.