WELLINGTON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A Civil Defense Emergency was declared Friday afternoon in the Rangitikei District, New Zealand, as the damage from a three-day heavy rain becomes disastrous.

    Emergency management authorities have sent a helicopter to help Rangitikei residents at risk from rising river levels.

    Heavy rain has brought down slips, blocked farm tracks and roads and caused flooding throughout southern Taranaki, Wanganui and the Rangitikei district.

    Up to 40 Rangitikei residents were evacuated from homes along the Whangaehu River.

    Residents were asked to place a white sheet on the roof or in their gardens as a signal if they required assistance.

    Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council emergency management manager Mark Harrison said even though the rain has eased, there is still a significant amount of water around.

    Harrison said it will take several days for the area to dry out. Enditem