Heavy seas lash coast

Press, 24 June 1978, Page 1

Heavy seas lash coast

High tides and exceptionally heavy seas caused chaos at the east end of Kaikoura township last evening. The seas came across the Esplanade from the Garden of Memory round to the south wharf, leaving boulders and debris scattered across the road.

Emergency services were called out and council work staff were on duty clearing the rubble. The County Chairman (Mr W. M. Dowle) said the problem was serious and that all emergency services were on stand-by. High tide last evening was just after seven o’clock, when, fortunately, there was no wind. However, because winds up to 50 knots were expected later in the night, and the next high tide at 7.40 a.m., the situation was expected to worsen.

Local fishermen have described the seas as the worst since Cyclone Alison. The Main Trunk rail-, way line is cut north of Kaikoura and there are reports of slips and flooding on the main highway from Oaro south.

Heavy rain was still falling in the area, and late last evening the Ministry of Works and railway gangs expected to work throughout the night.