Local controller Bob Dickson said that the Buller River conditions were still "extremely high and dangerous" and more rain was expected overnight. Peter Meecham Westport resident Alison Fox carries supplies from her Menzies St home as she prepares to evacuate on Friday. The river level gauge at the mouth of the Buller River breached 12m at about 8am on Saturday. KiwiRail acting chief operating officer Walter Rushbrook said rail lines on the West Coast were closed on Friday. An Urban Search and Rescue squad was sent to the West Coast in case urgent assessments of storm damage were needed.

Source: Stuff July 16, 2021 17:06 UTC