A council photo shows the extent of damage to properties in Marlborough district. Photo: SUPPLIED/ Marlborough District CouncilThousands of residents evacuated in flood-hit Buller and Marlborough will be told this morning whether they can return to their homes. Half of Westport's 4000 residents were told to evacuate their homes yesterday because of the threat from overflowing rivers. Close to 1000 people spent the night in evacuation centres in the Buller district, and at least 100 homes had been flooded. For state highway closures check hereRoad access to Westport is being restored in increments, as nearby rivers, including the Buller River, slowly drop.
Source: Otago Daily Times July 17, 2021 21:00 UTC