State of emergency is issued in idyllic tourist haven in New Zealand after massive storm
- Fiordland, on New Zealand's South Island is known for its mountain ranges
- It was hit with wild weather on Monday when 350mm of rain fell in 24 hours
- Up to 400 locals and tourists are believed to be stuck because roads are closed
- The weather has caused flooding and dangerous conditions, Metservice said
A State of Emergency has been declared for an idyllic tourist location where 400 people are trapped after wild weather lashed the area.
A red severe weather warning has been issued for the first time ever for Fiordland, in the south-western corner of New Zealand's South Island.
Up to 400 tourists and locals are believed to be trapped in Milford Sound, which is known for its towering Mitre Peak, rainforests and waterfalls.
A State of Emergency has been declared for an idyllic tourist location where 400 people are trapped after wild weather lashed the area (Milford Road pictured)
A red severe weather warning has been issued for the first time ever for Fiordland, in the south-western corner of New Zealand's South Island
The area was hit with extreme wet weather on Monday causing significant impact as 350mm of rain fell in just 24 hours, NZ Herald reported.
While it is believed people are trapped in the village, Southland mayor Gary Tong said there may also be vehicles trapped on the road between Milford and the Cascade.
Authorities hope to fly over the area in the afternoon to determine the damage and examine how many people are trapped.
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If there are people stuck they will be removed but the road is believed to be closed for the rest of the week.
MetService is urging anyone in the surrounding areas n Westland south of Hokitika and Fiordland north of George Sound to work quickly to protect their animals and property.
More rain is expected to hit the region on Monday which could possibly make the flooding even worse.
Up to 400 tourists and locals are believed to be trapped in Milford Sound, which is known for its towering Mitre Peak, rainforests and waterfalls
The area was hit with extreme wet weather on Monday causing significant impact as 350mm of rain fell in just 24 hours
More than 350mm of rain fell in Fiordland in just 24 hours, closing Milford road and triggering flash flooding.
A further 300mm to 450mm of rain is forecast for the area and will hit before Tuesday afternoon.
MetService issued a warning that the rain can cause dangerous conditions in the rivers, flooding could occur and landslides could lead to more roads being blocked.
Much of the South Island will also feel the brunt of the heavy rain before it is expected to clear on Tuesday.
