Buller Health is shifting its services to the Holcim site at Cape Foulwind

While the evacuation is underway, acute care will continue to be provided at Foote Ward.

Westport residents in specific flood-prone areas have been asked to immediately self-evacuate.

An emergency alert went off just after 11am asking residents in Snodgrass, Coates Street, Derby Street south of Cobden, Roebuck Street, Menzies Street, the airport, Marrs Beach and Martins Creek to leave.