UPDATED: SDC contractors have now (23 May) placed around 200 tonnes of rock on the most affected area.

Photo: SDC 23 May.

Tides lashed Riverton's Taramea Bay foreshore this afternoon, eroding banks, flooding walkways and recreational areas, and prompting an emergency response from the Southland District Council (SDC).

SDC contractors rushed to place around 50 metres of rock to slow the erosion from further big tides.

Taramea Bay's flooded foreshore this afternoon (20 May). Photo: Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.

However SDC advised on its social media page that this was only a temporary measure until a longer term solution could be found.

Further rough weather is expected to hit the area again in the coming days.

The aftermath of the tide that battered Taramea Bay. Photo: Southland District Council

Jess Terrill from the Southland Surf School recorded the following footage of the waves lashing the seaside town's foreshore and recreational areas, and of contractors performing emergency remedial work.

CLICK HERE Video:Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.

CLICK HERE Video:Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.

CLICK HERE Video:Jess Terrill, Southland Surf School.