Ex-Cyclone Hit New Zealand

Christchurch and two other districts on New Zealand’s South Island have declared a state of emergency as former cyclone Gita hit the country. Residents were told to expect floods and winds of up to 150km/h (90mph).

Dozens of schools have been shut and roads closed on the South Island as the storm made landfall on Tuesday.

New Zealand’s national airline has cancelled all flights in and out of the capital, Wellington, on North Island.

The Grey District and Buller Districts on South Island have now also declared a state of emergency.

“The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning,” said Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

She urged residents in low-lying areas to evacuate, saying: “We are expecting homes to be flooded.”