KEY POINTS:
A state of emergency remains in force for parts of South Otago, however river levels are dropping and some roads closed by surface flooding have reopened.
Milton has been the worst affected area. Civil Defence controller Charles Hakkaart says three properties were flooded overnight, forcing nine people to evacuate, but he says the town is no longer cut off.
The road to the north of the town has been opened but the road to the south is still closed and will be reassessed later this morning.
The state of emergency will also be reviewed later today.
- NEWSTALK ZB
