The extent of damage from the weekend's flooding is now being assessed at homes, farms and vineyards in the Buller and Marlborough districts which have been swamped by torrential rains and overflowing waterways.
On the West Coast, the Westport community is rallying around hundreds of people forced from their homes, some have spent three nights in evacuation centres, or stayed with family and friends. Many homes are inhabitable, and boil water notices remain in place for a number of communities on the West Coast. To discuss the gravity of the situation and the clean-up, Kathryn speaks to Marlborough Civil Defence Controller, Emergency Management Richard McNamara and Lieutenants Grant and Lynda Pitcher, from the Salvation Army in Westport.
Flooding composite West Coast and Marlborough Photo: composite
