Flooding and landslips are keeping officials busy in Otago.  

The area is in a State of Emergency due to heavy rain, with downpours expected to continue into the afternoon. 

Fire and Emergency NZ have responded to 31 calls between 6pm last night and 5.30am, with around 70 people evacuating to welfare centres. 

Dunedin Civil Defence Manager Scott MacLean told Ryan Bridge their advice is for people to stay home and stay safe. 

He said that people should avoid going out driving unless they absolutely have to, as it causes problems for emergency responders. 

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