Section of Cliff Tumbles Into River After Heavy New Zealand Rainfall
A large chunk of cliff face collapsed into the Rangitata River on New Zealand’s South Island on December 7, triggering a large wave that swept down stream. The landslide came after days of intense rainfall caused rivers to swell in the area.
Flood warnings were put in place for areas around the Rangitata River, with the NZ Transport Agency closing the SH1 at the Rangitata River Bridge. All other routes were also closed, making the river impassable.
In a Facebook post, Rangitata’s MP Andrew Falloon directed residents and tourists to shelters and encouraged those inside evacuation zones to leave their homes and seek safety.
Environment Canterbury said that widespread flooding around the Rangitata, Rakaia, Waitaki and Ahuriri rivers would continue on Saturday night and into Sunday morning. Credit: Angelique Protheroe via Storyful
