Hundreds evacuated in New Zealand amid widespread flooding

Hundreds of New Zealanders were evacuated from their homes on Monday as heavy rain caused intense flooding in the Canterbury region, The Associated Press reports.

A state of emergency was declared as some areas received up to 16 inches of rain this past weekend.

The military evacuated over 50 people overnight in an NH-90 helicopter, according to the AP. One man was reportedly clinging to a tree when he jumped into the water, attempting to swim away. The man was later rescued by the military helicopters after 30 minutes of searching.

An elderly couple was also rescued from the roof of their car and a farmer was rescued after being swept into a river, the AP reports.

“The rescuers are fantastic,” Adams told local media, having been saved by another farmer who saw him and organized a rescue effort.

“Seeing the community overnight pull together and support the displaced residents who were evacuated from their homes has been heartening,” Army Liaison Officer Cpt. Jake Faber told the AP.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has planned to travel to Christchurch on Monday to be briefed on the situation in-person 

“Australia is no stranger to floods,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is visiting New Zealand, told reporters. “Or fires, or cyclones, or, indeed, even mouse plagues. We have, both countries, endured a large amount of challenge over the course, particularly, of these last few years.”