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Story: Floods

Whanganui flood, 1940

In February 1940, heavy overnight rain in Manawatū and Whanganui region caused the Whanganui River to burst its banks, flooding low-lying areas of the city. This film footage shows the river in full flow, with pedestrians and motorists navigating waterlogged streets.

 

Using this item

Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Reference: F33504

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How to cite this page

Eileen McSaveney, Floods – New Zealand’s number one hazard, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/46853/whanganui-flood-1940 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 22 September 2017, updated 1 February 2024.