Please see the below update from NZ Emergency Management.
NZ Civil Defence
WEST COAST SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE – 9am 2 February
As heavy rain descends on the West Coast, a large-scale response is kicking into gear. West Coast Emergency Management have set up an Emergency Coordination Centre in Greymouth, Emergency Operation Centres are up and running in Westport and Hokitika.
Reinforcements from neighbouring South Island Civil Defence groups flew in last night to lend their support, together with New Zealand Response Team volunteers from Canterbury. River engineers have eyes on all the big rivers on the West Coast. The Government has deployed the Emergency Management Assistance Team, the NZ Defence Force have surged in liaison officers, trucks and drivers, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have Urban Search and Rescue personnel standing by.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sent staff to multiple locations across the West Coast to assist the response, and is standing up a National Coordination Centre to coordinate Government support from Wellington.
The next 48 hours and beyond will be a challenging time for West Coast communities, with heavy rain expected up and down the coast, and extensive flooding and evacuations likely.
For the latest advice and information, follow West Coast Emergency Management and MetService New Zealand, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for the latest highway information.
Remember to avoid non-essential travel, never drive through floodwaters, and call 111 if you feel that your life, health or property is in danger. Check out www.getready.govt.nz/floods for more tips.