River levels in Wanganui district rise again

Wanganui Civil Defence is monitoring river levels in the region after they rose again following last night's heavy rain.

Although there is no immediate concern, more rain is expected in the upper catchment areas of the Whanganui and Whangaehu rivers.

Last week the Ngaturi Bridge collapsed, cutting off access to Mangamahu.

The Government has agreed to fund a temporary Bailey Bridge, but a Civil Defence spokesperson said there was no indication of when the bridge will be built.

Work was also under way to repair cellphone towers affected by an electrical storm last night. Parts of the Kauarapaoa Valley remain without phone services and services to Mangamahu affected by the bridge collapse should be repaired today.

- NZPA