February 05, 2020

Andrew Campbell 

New Zealand’s Southland has been hit by heavy rainfall and massive flooding this week, leading to overflowing rivers, closed roads and walking tracks as well as landslides on main roads. Within 60 hours, the South Island was attacked by over 1000mm of rainfall.

Moreover, thousands of residents are forced to evacuate due to the rising river levels on February 5th. However, hundreds of visitors are trapped at scenic spots Milford Sound and Franz Josef.

The Emergency Management Southland (EMS) suggested people in low-lying regions in the neighborhood of the Mataura River in Gore or Mataura to leave their hometown, meanwhile helicopters and planes were sent to rescue the trapped people. 

So far, two people were injured, both hit by a landslide on the Route burn walking track, but received medical care on the spot. By the way, according to Westland Mayor Bruce Smith, weeks later the Franz Josef region will enter peak season and perhaps more tourists would be affected by the landslides.

Photo:Webshot.