Heavy rain causes flooding and landslides in New Zealand's South island.<br/> 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<br/> Hundreds of people were evacuated from around the region after police feared hillsides may collapse.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) POHARA RESIDENT, CHRIS UDELL, SAYING (English):<br/> "We drove back up the road and here were logs and brown water coming down the road to meet us."<br/> 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.<br/> Authorities say the road will take many days or possibly weeks to repair.<br/> Marie-Claire Fennessy, Reuters
