State of Local Emergency declared for the Canterbury Region

Date:

A Red Warning is in place for Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains from 9am to 4pm today (Thursday 23 October). Expect severe gale northwesterlies with damaging gusts up to 140 km/h in exposed areas.

A State of Emergency has been declared and remains in place to support the response efforts.

We have already seen the impact of high winds and rain in the headwaters causing our alpine rivers to rise quickly.

Winds of this strength may cause damage to powerlines and roofs, with threat to life from flying items and falling trees, dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply. Ensure pets and livestock have safe shelter.

If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.

Travel advisory

  • Avoid all unnecessary travel.
  • As expected, roads are closing across the region. For state highway closures, visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/canterbury
  • For local road closures, check your local council’s website.

Power and communications

There are several power outages across the region.

  • If you lose communications, please tune into your local radio station. 
  • Check for the latest outage updates via your power company's website.
  • Do not attempt to move debris near power lines. Treat all lines as live during outage periods; power may be restored at any time.
  • If you require any other information, please call your power company’s phone line.

Flooding

Heavy rain has been falling since this morning (Thursday) in the headwaters of major Canterbury rivers: Waiau Uwha, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Rakaia, Rangitata, and Waitaki.

River levels will start rising in the upper parts and are expected to increase downstream from this evening.

  • Stay safe around rivers – if you're working or spending time near riverbeds, be alert to rising water levels.
  • Farmers near these rivers should consider moving stock to higher ground.
  • Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters – they can be deeper and faster than they look.

Fire safety

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a total ban on open fires and fireworks across Waitaha Canterbury.

  • If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside.
  • Use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.

Stay informed and connected during this event

We’re working closely with partner agencies to position resources and respond swiftly to any impacts.

Please take this warning seriously and stay informed via this webpage, your local council’s website, and the official Facebook pages below:

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