(File photo)
Photo: RNZ/ Calvin Samuel
Six people have been rescued after their vehicles were trapped by floodwaters, between Nelson and Blenheim.
Police said the travellers were reported stuck in floodwaters on State Highway 6, near Canvastown, about 8:35pm on Friday amid heavy rain and storms.
Rescue teams were sent from Search and Rescue, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, and the Defence Force, along with firefighters, “and six people were retrieved from vehicles”, they said.
State Highway 6 between Pelorus and Havelock was closed on Friday, due to the storm, but had re-opened by mid-morning Saturday. NZTA said a 50km/h restriction was in place on the highway and “road users are advised to take extra care when travelling along this route”.
Storm easing in most places, wind warnings still on the map
Workers spent the morning clearing debris and repairing damage on the route.
The Transport Agency said four vehicles caught in the floodwaters were also recovered.
Earlier on Saturday, police said floodwater levels in the area remained high.
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