Hapuku River locals fear dam may burst

Hapuku River locals fear dam may burst

Kaikoura residents fear they could be in harm's way after a huge slip completely blocked a river in Monday's earthquake.

The slip has caused the Hapuku River to dam, and those living nearby are worried they'll be in danger if it breaches.

Helicopter pilot Daniel Stevenson first came across the slip on Monday, when surveying remote properties following the quake.

"When we first saw it we were like 'holy cow'," he said.

The day before, Mr Stevenson had been training on the land, where the slip now sits.

"That sort of brought it home - lucky we weren't in there when it happened."

A Department of Conservation hut was taken out when the mountain gave way - fortunately no one was staying in it at the time. The slip's now a concern for those living downstream.

The longer the water keeps banking up against the slip, the more powerful and dangerous a potential burst becomes.

Kathy Thompson has lived at the mouth of the Hapuku River for 22 years, and she wants the army to blow up the slip before it becomes a threat.

"I feel like if we get a really big rain, that that could burst it," she said.

If that happened, a key road into town would be at risk of being hit - a worry for locals already struggling with isolation.

Civil Defence isn't too concerned with the Hapuku River in its current state - but as we found out while filming, slips continue to happen.

It's a stark reminder that this seismic event could well be far from over.

Newshub.