Edgecumbe flooding: what you need to know

The Rangitāiki River has burst its banks, forcing the evacuation of almost the entire town of Edgecumbe. Here is what you need to know.

Heavy rains have been inundating many parts of the North Island this week, causing landslips, closing roads and dozens of schools, and forcing evacuations from flood-prone areas.

Edgecumbe is the latest area to be hit after the Rangitāiki River breached its banks, forcing the town's 1600 residents out of their homes.

Follow RNZ's live coverage here.

Here is a summary of what you need to know:

Whakatāne District - state of emergency declared

• Rangitāiki River has breached a bank and the town has been evacuated
• Gow Road residents are to evacuate
• The rural area around Titoki Road, 10 households in Thorton and nine homes were evacuated in Ruatoki
• Ruatāhuna, Tāneatua, Rūātoki and Waimana are cut off
• Kawerau evacuation centre now located at Rautahi Marae on Onslow Street. The other centre is at Whakatāne District Council Memorial Hall
• Bridge into Whakatāne remains open
• Whakatāne and Trident high schools are open today but there is no bus service
• Evacuees should call Healthline 0800 611 116 or see a GP if they have left their meds at home, rather than seeking prescriptions from the A&E
• Police have set up checkpoints and are stopping people from entering Edgecumbe
• A boil water notice has been issued for all residents of the Rangitāiki Plains, including Te Teko. The boil water notice for Rūātoki remains in place

State Highway closures - Whakatāne / Edgecumbe

Multiple local roads are closed, check out the Whakatāne District Council's website for details.

• SH2 at either side of Edgecumbe and at Waimana Gorge, Nukuhou (Mottram and Stevens Road) and from SH34 to Putiki Road
• SH30 Rotoma, one lane open

Flooding has caused road closures in many places in the North Island and Canterbury. For up to date information check out the NZ Transport Agency's website.