As Canterbury embarks on a massive cleanup, the closure of a SH1 bridge is adding more tension to the recovery efforts.
An assessment by engineers has revealed significant damage and the bridge is expected to be closed for several days at least.
It's hoped an alternative route will be open by tomorrow.
Also today, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Agriculture Minister toured the region with Damien O'Connor declaring an adverse event in the region, triggering the release of $500,000 for the recovery.
RNZ photographers and reporters have been documenting it all. Here's a look at some of the photos from today:
Some of the damage to the bridge is clearly visible. Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon
Authorities at the northern end of the bridge over the Ashburton River that has been closed. Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon
Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon
Flooding at Selwyn Huts, Canterbury. Photo: Pool / Stuff / Chris Skelton
The Army is helping out in Ashburton.... Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon
So are police. Photo: RNZ
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor visit Canterbury to assess damage after days of flooding and heavy rain. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Deposits of debris by the Hinds River on State Highway 1. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
A scene from the prime minister's flyover of the areas affected by flooding in Canterbury. Photo: Pool
A washed away road in Mid-Canterbury. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
Chris Allen points out the damage caused by recent flooding to New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. Photo: Pool / Stuff / Chris Skelton
Part of Thompsons Track which is usually the main alternate inland route up and down the South Island. Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
The north branch of the Ashburton River. Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
The bridge across Ashburton River at Pudding Hill. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
Flood affected areas around Ashburton. Photo: Pool / Stuff / Chris Skelton
Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
The north branch of the Ashburton River. Photo: RNZ / Katie Todd
Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
Reporter Katie Todd took a tractor ride through a flooded farm, while covering the event for RNZ today. Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
Flooding in Ashburton Forks area and damage to the approach to the bridge over the south branch of Ashburton River. Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon
Plenty of water visible at the Waikuku Holiday Park in North Canterbury. Photo: RNZ / Eleisha Foon
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