Hundreds of people evacuated from their Nelson homes have an anxious wait in store to see what the damage is from a one-in-100-year flood.
The Maitai River has broken its banks flooding central Nelson. Photo: Vicky Jackson
The city is under state of emergency after the Maitai River burst its banks Wednesday afternoon and poured down streets.
More than 230 homes near the Maitai have been evacuated with a heavy rain warning in place until 11pm Thursday 18 August.
More rain is expected with MetsSrvice forecasting 250 to 400 mm to accumulate on top of what has already fallen.
One resident who had lived in the city for 30 years spent the afternoon bailing out her backyard and said it was the worst flooding she had seen.
Anxious night in Nelson after flooding forced evacuations
Matai River just below the Aratuna Bridge on Bridge Street on 16 August. Photo: Alison Ballance
Soldiers were patrolling the streets and all residents were asked to stay home if possible.
Cordons were in place at Tasman and Nile Streets where houses had been evacuated while Rocks Rd and Cleveland Terrace were closed due to slips.
People in Atawhai and Todds Valley were left without electricity for hours before it was restored.