Hundreds evacuated in New Zealand due to widespread flooding

Several hundred people in New Zealand were evacuated from their homes today as heavy rain caused widespread flooding in the Canterbury region.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in the region after some places were hit by as much as 40 centimeters of rain over the weekend.

Forecasters also warned of possible heavy rain through Monday evening before conditions improved.

The military helped to evacuate more than 50 people overnight in a military helicopter.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern planned to travel to Christchurch later today to be briefed on the latest situation firsthand.