FLOODING LATEST * The only way north out of Ashburton is by air - 17 roads shut, four bridges damaged and not passable, mayor says. * Civil Defence orders residents of the low-lying areas of The Pines Beach, Coopers Creek to evacuate. * State of emergency declared for entire Canterbury region after heavy rain and flooding * Christchurch residents warned to conserve water over wastewater concerns. * The Ashburton river is 1m away from bursting its banks, Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi says. * Ten state highway closures in place throughout Canterbury. * MetService extends the heavy rain warnings for the region. People in parts of Canterbury are being ordered to head to higher ground as weather authorities extend a heavy rain warning for the region.