Christchurch flooding abates

Heath warnings on the Avon River. Photo / Greg Bowker

The Civil Defence is working to stem flooding near the Avon River mouth to the estuary in Christchurch this morning.

Sump tops were sealed with sandbags to mitigate flooding risk, and flooding levels were less severe this morning, Civil Defence says. Sucker trucks have also been removing surface water.

Contractors have added to existing sandbags in at-risk parts of the Avon River around Dallington to address the risk of further flooding.

The Pleasant Point Yacht Club on the Avon River Estuary was flooded late yesterday afternoon around high tide. Council crews were on site soon after to address the flooding.

The next high tide is due at 5.30pm tonight and Civil Defence is monitoring the situation.

Work done since last night is expected to prevent further major issues.

Civil Defence director of infrastructure Michael Aitken says Civil Defence is doing all it can to ward off further floods after a weekend of high rainfall coinciding with strong tides.

People with homes affected by flooding should contact Civil Defence, phone (03) 941-8999.

As waterways are still contaminated with sewage, Civil Defence says residents should avoid contact with floodwaters, rivers, sea water, ponds, puddles or other surface water.

If people have to work with silt or silty water, they should wear water-proof gloves, gumboots and a dust mask, shower or wash immediately afterwards, and wash their clothes separately.

New Brighton Road, Anzac Drive to Owles Terrace and Hardy Street, Avonside Drive near Porritt Park, Retreat Road and Morris Street, and Richardson, Clarendon and Aynsley Terrace were closed for around three hours last night, but all have since reopened.

Mr Aitken says motorists should take extra care in flooded areas as the water may further compromise affected roads and open new potholes.