State of emergency declared as heavy rain and flooding slams Milford Sound

February 3, 2020

A state of emergency has been declared in Milford Sound in response to flooding that has slammed the region, with an evacuation plan being put together to evacuate 195 tourists. 

Civil Defence says the aim is to have the evacuation plan in place by midday tomorrow. More heavy rain is expected in the morning. 

A further 70 people have either been airlifted out already, or are about to be, from the section of Milford Road that is blocked on the Te Anau side of the Homer Tunnel and walking track huts this afternoon.

Everyone in the Milford township is accounted for and will be staying in Milford Sound for at least overnight because of flooding in the sound and along Milford Road.

The swollen Cleddau River and high tides caused flooding this morning and staff will be monitoring the expected rainfall and tides throughout today and tomorrow.

State Highway 6 near Fox Glacier was closed overnight due to a slip but was reopened earlier this morning, however Milford Road is expected to remain closed for some days because of slips and flood damage. 

Mr McKay says high tides and swelling of the Cleddau River caused flooding this morning and staff will continue monitoring throughout today and tomorrow in preparation for the incoming heavy rain.

MetService says a heavy rain warning is in force as a significant downpour is once again expected for the West Coast tonight. 

The Invercargill emergency centre has been activated to monitor and respond as needed.

SHARE ME

More Stories