Residents of threatened huts near the Opihi River in South Canterbury were able to return to their homes after 5pm yesterday, although strict conditions remain in force.
A small section of stopbank above the Mill Road Hut settlement was damaged by erosion caused by high river levels and is at risk of failing.
A state of emergency was declared late Wednesday after a small number of residents did not evacuate on the early advice of civil defence and police.
Work is under way to reinforce the stopbank, though it is expected to take a few days to complete and the Timaru District Council said the state of emergency would remain in place until work was completed.
Council spokeswoman Beth Stewart-Wright said the council worked with residents to negotiate a conditional re-entry to their homes.
"An early warning system has been implemented in the event of an increased flow of anything in advance of 50cumecs. With substantial rainfall anticipated midway through next week, the lower alarm will provide a three-hour advance notice in the event that an evacuation is required for work crews and residents."
Road closures remain in place with access only to residents and contractors working on the stopbank.
