Fiordland hut rescues underway

The evacuation of approximately 100 people on walking tracks around the Fiordland area is currently underway, as helicopter pilots get a break in the weather. 

Emergency Management Southland controller Angus McKay said pilots are in the air this morning evacuating people from huts in Hollyford, Pyke, Big Bay and Martin’s Bay. 

Thirty-one people from the Howden Hut on the Routeburn Track are safe after a landslide hit the hut at 1.30am this morning. Two people suffered minor injuries, which were treated by a doctor on site. 

A decision on the evacuation today of 195 tourists in Milford Sound is still to be made, due to current weather conditions. 

Rain is falling heavily throughout Southland, with several rivers rising and road closures in place. 

State Highway closures as at 9am: 
 

SH 94 Milford to Te Anau, Cascade Creek to Chasm  

SH 90 McNab to Tapanui, from SH1 intersection to Station Road 

SH 6 Kingston to Lumsden 

SH 90 McNabb to Glenkenich, at the intersection with Pomahaka Road 

The following roads and streets in the Gore district are closed due to flooding: 

Waikaka Road 

River Road 

MacGibbon Road 

McDonald Road 

Ruia Street 

Koa Street 

Ontario Street 

There are also closures throughout the Clutha district. 

Please check the NZTA and local council websites for road closure information and be aware many roads that are open will be affected by flooding and require caution.