Ohura cut off by floods and slips

Ngarimu Street, the main street through the small town of Ohura near Taumarunui. Photo / NZ Herald

The small town of Ohura in Ruapehu District has been cut off by floods and slips.

The town itself, which is 50km north west of Taumarunui, had escaped flooding.

A Ruapehu District Council spokesman said the weather had improved today and the flooding was receding.

Council contractors were clearing slips on Okahukura Saddle and other roads and the spokesman said it would not be long before roads were cleared.

He said motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads.

Reports from Ohura residents were that the floodwaters were starting to recede, although there was water on surrounding roads.

Heavy rain and wind had pounded the country over the last few days, with flooding causing road closures and slips, but it has since moved offshore.

Tokirima, Maitere and Ohura schools remained closed today.