In New Zealand, hundreds of people have been evacuated from country's North Island, Edgecumbe, after rivers burst their banks and damaged bridges. Tractors and boats were used to rescue about 2,000 residents following severe flooding. <br/><br/>Hundreds of homes have been flooded in Edgecumbe, with water reported to be as high as 2 meter in places. Local authorities declared a state of emergency in the area. Heavy storms are also hitting New Zealand's South Island. The nation has been drenched by the remnants of Cyclone Debbie, which flooded parts of Australia's east coast last week.