Wellington, Aug. 18 (BNA) Heavy rain continued to hit New Zealand today, Thursday, causing further disturbances and road closures due to a storm that has already forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes.
Residents in the northern part of the North Island found themselves isolated after landslides, fallen trees and flood waters blocked the highway. The stormy weather also forced some schools to close, airlines canceled flights and businesses closed, the Associated Press reported.
The storm sank at least one sailing boat near Auckland and caused a house to slide into a canyon in the town of Tahunanui.
About 230 homes were evacuated in the town of Nelson on Wednesday and remained off-limits overnight after the Maitai River flooded. The army patrolled the area at night.
Resident Robin Richert told news outlet Stuff she was “completely shocked” when her street turned into a raging torrent.
“Within minutes it becomes a river,” she said. “That’s how fast it’s happening.”
Another 160 homes in the town of Westport were temporarily evacuated and residents were later allowed to return.
Roads across the country were closed due to floods and landslides.
In Buller District, Mayor Jimmy Klein told reporters that rainfall so far has been less than expected, but more rain is on the way.
“Across the region, I think we got away relatively unscathed,” Klein said. “Today a few people who chose to evacuate themselves last night have been told that it is reasonable to return to their property today to be checked while we have this calm, if they feel well.”
Klein warned that more rain is expected.