Story: Civil defence

Fighting a flood

Fighting a flood

In early July 1983, after heavy rain, the Wairau River burst its banks and the subsequent flood led to the declaration of a civil defence state of emergency in Marlborough. As well as submerging farmland and isolating stock, the floodwaters threatened settlements and homes had to be evacuated. Volunteers, like this group near Tuamarina, tried to hold back the flood with sandbags.

Using this item

Marlborough Express

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Civil defence - Evolution of organised civil defence', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/36062/fighting-a-flood (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 20 Jun 2012, updated 1 May 2020