Landslide warning for Kaikōura following heavy rain

The Kaikōura District Council is warning there is a continuing risk of landslides across the district.

It says while the heavy rain that pounded the region this week has eased and floodwaters are receding, people need to be alert to signs of landslides around their properties and the wider district.

The warning signs include small slips, rockfall or sinking ground at the base of slopes.

Doors and windows that suddenly stick and new gaps around door and window frames are also of concern.

The council said people should evacuate if their home was at risk.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said it was on track to reopen a closed section of State Highway 1, south of Kaikōura.

The road was closed from Cheviot in North Canterbury to Kaikōura after this week's severe flooding.

The Inland Route 70 to the west of the town remains closed with a detour available via State Highways 7, 65 and 63.

Road workers have managed to clear rocks and vegetation that came down onto SH1 on Friday and were continuing to focus on placing rock in areas where the highway had been eaten away by high river levels and flooding near Hawkswood/Ferniehurst.

Debris and fallen trees were also being cleared in the Hundalee Hills area.

NZTA said Tuesday was still likely to be the earliest time the highway reopened. It said the reopening might be done in stages with restrictions.

A further update will be made on Sunday.