The Whanganui River has burst its banks, and the public are being warned to stay away from the river.

Wanganui District Council spokeswoman Cass Alexander said the river breached the 8.6-metre high stopbanks at Anzac Parade just after midnight. Nearby properties are expected to be flooded.

Alexander urged people to stay away from the river.

“We don’t want anyone near that river.”

Homes evacuated in Whanganui under a civil defence emergency caused by floodwaters. http://t.co/nZvtVFhTrh #radionz pic.twitter.com/cx2gcEH0Rv

— RNZ News (@rnz_news) June 20, 2015

People drinking at Taupo Quay bars had been evacuated, she said.

”We’ve sent them home and they’ve closed the pub.”

Wanganui District Civil Defence and Emergency Management controller Kevin Ross said the river breached earlier than expected.

“We’ve evacuated everyone we expect would be affected by the flooding on both sides of the river but we are urging people not to go near the river. If you are affected by flooding on your property please call our welfare centre on (06) 348 8237, otherwise please stay home.”

The river level is around 8.6 metres at the City Bridge.

The Civil Defence Emergency Management Team had allocated all sandbags to areas affected by flooding.

Those who believed they were at risk of flooding should evacuate and/or ring the council on (06) 349 0001 or the welfare centre.

– NZME/WW Twitter