The south branch of the Rangitata River floods over paddocks and across Old Main South Rd on December 10. The Timaru District state of emergency has been lifted, after nearly a week of upheaval. The emergency state was declared on Saturday as the Rangitata River burst its banks following significant rainfall that led to widespread flooding and slips, considered a one-in-20 year event. The Rangitata Bridge at State Highway 1, and the bridge at Arundel on route 72, were closed on Saturday, essentially cutting the South Island in half. Route 72 was reopened at noon on Monday and the State Highway 1 bridge reopened on Wednesday at 6pm.

Source: Stuff December 13, 2019 03:45 UTC