A state of local emergency has been declared in Selwyn and all residents concerned for their safety should report to the Council, MP for Selwyn Nicola Grigg says.

“The declaration is a procedural matter that allows the Civil Defence teams enforcement power to do things like move people to safety or close roads and bridges. 

“The declaration has been promoted by the huge volumes of water pouring out of the foothills, down our rivers and across the Canterbury Plains. State Highway 1 is expected to be closed north of Dunsandel overnight. 

“Meanwhile, here in Selwyn, the Lincoln events centre has been set up as a base for those evacuated from the Selwyn Huts and the Darfield Community Centre is currently being prepared for anyone coming from Sheffield, Springfield and Hororata areas,” Ms Grigg says.

Residents in the Sheffield, Waddington and Springfield areas are encouraged to self-evacuate if they have concerns about flooding and head to the emergency centre in Darfield if you need somewhere to go.

In an emergency, call 111 or check www.metservice.com for the latest on weather for your region, your local council or Civil Defence Group website for instructions and advice, and www.nzta.govt.nz for highway information.