Heavy rain causes flooding and landslides in New Zealand's South island. A state of emergency was declared after 420 millimeters of rain fell in 24 hours bringing streams of mud and water into towns leaving a trail of destruction Hundreds of people were evacuated from around the region after police feared hillsides may collapse. 　　Chris Udell: "We drove back up the road and here were logs and brown water coming down the road to meet us." Travel in the area was almost impossible after a landslide on a highway completely washed away a section of road, severing a major link between towns. Authorities say the road will take many days or possibly weeks to repair. (Marie-Claire Fennessy/ Reuters)