Tairāwhiti Civil Defence says state of emergency has been declared for the region, where there is a red heavy rain warning in place until Sunday.

MetService is forecasting a prolonged period of rain which would be heavy at times with 200-300mm of rain expected about and north of Tolaga Bay, up to 150mm about the ranges and up to 100mm in coastal areas south of Tolaga Bay.

The rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding, with slips and flooding likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and potentially isolating some communities, the MetService warning says.

Residents in Te Karaka have already been asked to evacuate as the Waipaoa River earlier topped 7.5 metres. Several roads are now closed in the region.

- RNZ.

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