Mataura was reopened to residents at 6pm tonight.

There are still some areas of surface flooding. The worst affected areas are:

• Main Street between the Caltex service station and Tullochs Transport,

• Oakland Street between Tulloch Park and Burns Street

• Bangor Street

• Bristol Street

• Carteret Street

• Dover Street

• Carlyle Street

• McConnell Street

There is also some localised ponding in Scott and Burns streets.

Some houses have had power disconnected, a letter has been left to advise the homeowner.

There may be a number of properties that are inundated or un-inhabitable. These are properties without water, a flushing toilet, or excessive dampness that could cause respiratory issues.

People who need assistance or advice should go to the Mataura Community Centre, in McQueen Avenue, where a community support centre is being set up.

There will be staff from the Council and Emergency Management Southland, and other agencies.

There will be basic necessities available at the centre for those who need them. 

There is a boil water notice in place for the town.

There will be a water tanker at the centre, from 8pm.

There will also be port-a-loos at the centre.

People are asked to drive carefully through any surface flooding to minimise water going into properties.