Emergency mode has been introduced in some areas of New Zealand due to flooding

A state of emergency has been declared in the city of Christchurch and the Selwyn region of New Zealand due to flooding caused by heavy rains. This was reported on May 1 by the New Zealand Herald newspaper.

"A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch, houses and roads in Canterbury are flooded, and a red wind warning has been issued in Wellington. <...> A state of emergency has been declared in Selwyn County," the publication says.

Destructive winds will cause widespread damage to power lines and roofs of houses, create dangerous conditions on highways and lead to serious power outages, the New Zealand Herald writes, citing the country's meteorological service.

Meteorologists urged citizens to stay indoors or find a safe shelter away from trees, as well as prepare for power outages and communications.

The Brazilian portal G1 reported on April 19 that heavy flooding occurred in the state of Sao Paulo due to heavy rains, as a result of which 37.7 thousand properties were without electricity. Heavy rain caused flooding, which washes away vehicles and blocks train traffic, the newspaper said.