Photo: NZTAAlmost 1000 tourists remain trapped on the West Coast after after washouts and slips blocked the highway in both directions. Townships on the West Coast, including Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, are cut off after washouts and slips blocked State Highway 6. The washouts and slips south and north of Franz Josef mean the only way anyone can get in or out is by helicopter. A portion of a slip-hit West Coast highway could be reopened after authorities assess it this morning. Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare and the Director of Civil Defence Sarah Black-Stuart will be on the West Coast today assessing the impact of the slips.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 08, 2019 18:33 UTC