China News Service, August 18. According to foreign media reports, the western and northern regions of New Zealand were hit by torrential rains for three consecutive days, triggering the closure of roads, schools and landslides.
Three regions of the country declared a state of emergency on the 17th, and about 233 families were evacuated.
Agence France-Presse reported that local rainfall reached the level of a month in just 15 hours, and the tropical storm brought more than 30 centimeters of rain in parts of the South Island, causing rivers to burst their banks.
The extreme weather also caused some trees to break and fall, blocking major roads.
The Maitai River, the main river flowing through Nelson, turned into a torrent, inundating homes and streets.
Local resident Sam Lagrutta told the New Zealand Herald the situation was "horrifying" when police only gave him five minutes to leave his home.
"I just grabbed a carry-on bag with my passport, wallet and anything important I could find," he said.
Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese described the flash flooding as a "once-in-a-century event."
Search and rescue teams and military personnel are working to help get people to safety.
According to Reuters, the Nelson City Council website also issued a statement warning that continued rain could mean more landslides, flooding and evacuations.