The Army was sandbagging the eastern side of the Whanganui River last night when the river burst its banks higher up the river, the water level peaking at over eight metres at 9pm.
Around 10pm, residents were evacuated, with some wading through the swollen river to move animals to higher ground. With people sheltering at the welfare centre or at friends and family, this morning the lower water level was apparent, with low lying areas the worst affected.
Flooding like this hasn't been seen in 23 years, and it's hoped that it won't flood like this again for a long time to come.