FLOODING IN KAIKOURA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28895, 15 May 1959, Page 10

FLOODING IN KAIKOURA

Lyall Creek Rising Floodwaters from Lyall creek began rising in West End, the main street of Kaikoura last night and at 10.30 p.m. were over one foot deep and still steadily rising. There was no immediate danger to property and no damage had been reported. Cars normally parked in West End, part of which is low lying and a natural trap for floodwaters from the nearby creek, had been moved to higher ground.

Last night it had been raining steadily for over 24 hours in Kaikoura and was still pouring down with no sign of stopping. Lyall creek was in full flood, although the Lyall creek bridge was still clear of the flood waters and open to traffic. The area affected is a low lying area over the bridge on the town side. Last time the creek flooded more than seven years ago there was more than three feet of water in a large motor garage in *he centre of the low area. It could not be ascertained last night if there were any vehicles in the garage.

All shops in the area are on high foundations and were in no immediate danger at 10.30 p.m. The water was right across the road for more than 100 yards but had not come up on to the footpaths.

At the approaches to the township men were on duty with torches to warn motorists of the flooding on the roads ahead.