Canterbury battling floods

1:00 PM

Civil defence has swung into action in Canterbury to try to avert a flooding disaster.

Several residents in the town of Waikuku, north of Christchurch, have left their homes fearing the raging Ashley River may flood.

A man and his three children had to be rescued when their four-wheel-drive vehicle became stranded while crossing a stream near Waikuku.

Southwest of Christchurch, the Selwyn River flooded this morning after rising to a 50-year high.

Several settlements further downstream formn the Selwyn are in danger of being flooded.

South of Ashburton the Hinds river has flooded, closing State Highway One.

State High One north and south of Timaru has also been affected by the floodwaters.

Environment Canterbury says up to 200 millimetres of rain have fallen on the lower plains and foothills since Thursday.

- IRN

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