Around 300mm of rain fell in the upper catchment of the Rangitata River from 05 to early 06 December. As of the afternoon of 07 December, the Rangitata River was flowing at around 2265 cubic metres a second (cumecs) and was rising rapidly. Timaru Distrct Council said that extreme flows of 3000 cumecs or more are anticipated on 07 December, the highest in 20 years. This extended period of very high flows increases significantly the risk of further bank erosion and breakout flows.
Campers along the river have been told to evacuate and authorities warned people in Rangitata Township to be ready to evacuate at short notice. At least 7 roads in the area have been closed in affected areas.
The Council said that "some floodwater is currently flowing down the South Branch, and there are several other vulnerable areas along the river that are at risk of river breakouts. The extreme flows expected today will increase outflows into those areas already flooding as well as increase the chance of issues developing on other parts of the river."
Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago Region
Meanwhile, heavy rain has caused problems in Otago Region where water levels of lakes in Queenstown-Lakes District are rising fast, threatening to flood lakeshore areas of Wฤnaka, Queenstown and Glenorchy.
Social Media
Rangitata River looking South. Not much of Rangitata Island not under water ๐ข https://t.co/MuSsVCG893
โ Andrew Falloon MP (@andrewfalloon) December 7, 2019
Rangitata River in flood this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/TIoekOAe0q
โ Peter Carrell ู (@petercarrell) December 7, 2019
Sandbags and black plastic sheet line the front of many lakefront businesses in Wanaka, as residents prepare for rising flood water. The lake levels are expected to peak tomorrow, but the bridge at Dinosaur Park is already fully submerged. @rnz_news @CheckpointRNZ pic.twitter.com/GIvQe4NitT
โ Tess Brunton (@TessBrunton489) December 5, 2019
The @OtagoRC has posted a number of updates regarding water levels, with maps estimating areas in Wฤnaka, Queenstown and Glenorchy that may be affected by flooding if forecast rainfall continues. Check them out there https://t.co/BRgAu5wu5x pic.twitter.com/4EMxQcNsFk
โ QLDC (@QueenstownLakes) December 5, 2019
The iconic #WanakaTree slowly drowning with all of this rain and flooding in town ๐ฑ #newzealand #wanakaflood #wanaka pic.twitter.com/wSCPgQjWzn
โ Liz Carlson (@YoungAdventures) December 4, 2019
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