Weather

Massive US wildfires have created so much shade from their smoke they have created cooler more stable conditions, helping firefighters, officials say. Audio

Rescuers are scouring devastated parts of western India for survivors after heavy rains caused deadly floods.

Downed power lines over the Shotover Bridge near Queenstown caused power cuts to hundreds of homes in the area, with the Remarkables ski field putting its lifts on hold earlier today.

More than 100 homes in Westport are now expected to be declared uninhabitable following the devastating floods.

The Defence Force is helping to remove flood-ruined furniture and belongings from Westport streets and homes today.

After last weekend's flooding, many are asking why "one-in-100-year" events seem to be happening more and more often. RNZ investigates what the phrase actually means. Audio

Up to 100 Westport households may need to be settled in alternative housing after the damaging floods at the weekend, Associate Minister of Housing Poto Williams says. Audio

West Coast residents and officials are continuing to grapple with the enormity of the cleanup after the weekend's flood.

New Zealanders can no longer rely on flood protection barriers in the face of heavier rains, an expert warns, as hundreds of Westport residents' homes have been deemed uninhabitable following… Audio

Sixty-five flood damaged homes in the Westport area have been red stickered.

Water levels have fallen in Marlborough, revealing the extent of the damage caused by heavy rain over the weekend. Audio

Floodwaters still have not completely receded from some parts of Westport and Marlborough and hundreds of people are displaced after water rushed through their homes.