More heavy rain as Westport cleans up

The number of red-stickered houses in Westport should be confirmed soon, as army personnel are deployed to help flood-weary residents clear their homes of damaged items. Buller mayor Jamie Cleine said that by yesterday morning more than 60 homes had been redstickered as uninhabitable. ‘‘Well over’’ 300 homes had been yellowstickered, meaning they were liveable but needed repair. A Civil Defence spokeswoman said authorities expected fewer than 100 homes would end up being red-stickered. There had been more rain overnight, which was heavy at times, she said. ‘‘Huge volumes’’ of household rubbish had to be disposed of, including contaminated carpets and other sodden items that could pose a health hazard if they were not taken away quickly. An Insurance Council representative would be at the NBS Theatre until Sunday to help answer any questions.