Southland authorities are confident a major disaster has been averted after rain on Monday pushed rivers to near-record levels.

Three days of heavy rain saw flood waters swamp farms across the district and roads closed with fears of the worst flooding in more than a decade.

Civil Defence says most of the major rivers have peaked with no significant problems but some farmers say the situation is far from contained.

Several farmlands in the Te Anau Basin are underwater, with extensive damage to fences and other infrastructure.

Federated Farmers Southland Dairy Chairman Vaughan Templeton’s property is safe from flooding but remains cut off.

Farmer Dave Marshall says the threat from the Oreti River has passed on his Wallacetown farm, the danger now lies with the rising Makarewa River. Mr. Marshall says the region is hit by this level of flooding about once a decade, and while he’s prepared, several neighbours have been caught out.

Environment Southland’s Duty Flood Warning Officer Michelle Poole says it’s not too late for farmers with low-lying stock and feed to act now.