The Southland District Council is asking its residents in the Southland district to be on alert as a large number of waterways throughout the region continue to rise.

At present most of the district’s concerns are in Western Southland with the Waiau and Aparima rivers and streams rising quickly. 

There is particular concern around Otautau. Council group manager infrastructure and capital delivery Fran Mikulicic said the situation there was being monitored closely.

Surface flooding is widespread across the district and motorists are advised to stay home. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should drive with extreme caution as there are many patches of road flooding throughout the district, not all of them signposted.

In some urban areas, overflowing stormwater systems have been contaminated with sewerage from wastewater. It is apparent in Winton, Lumsden and Nightcaps, where there is ponding on the sides of roads and streets. However, it is likely the problem could be more widespread, given the inundation of stormwater drains throughout Southland from the heavy rainfall.

People are strongly advised to stay away from ponding and surface flooding in townships throughout the district, and especially keep children and animals away from areas of surface flooding in built-up areas.

If you see water blowing out of manholes (as pictured) please phone the Southland District Council on 0800 732 732.

Updates will be provided on the Southland District Council website and Facebook page as information comes to hand. 

For river updates see the Environment Southland website.

For highway conditions monitor Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s website.