Growers in flood-stricken north Otago are delighted to see the rain, saying that it is carrying much-required respite following the recent drought.

The area has been hit by heavy rains over the last two days, with Oamaru mainly influenced, having been disconnected by obstructed roads.

Schools have also been coerced to shut down owing to overflowing with rivers and other channels exploding their banks.

North Otago Federated Farmers President, Ross Ewing said that the rain was like a blessing subsequent to the long-drawn-out dry curse, expanding from May last year.

Some farmers had been compelled to sell off their stock and purchase extra feed to deal with, however, the long-standing viewpoint was encouraging.

Ross said, "We were in a drought area but I think I can officially say that it’s broken. Thank the Lord for the rain".

The rain would reinstate the lost moisture to the soil previous to lambing and calving in the spring.

He added that farm-wise, it’s perhaps an apt time if you are going to have one of these things.

The river that flows through his property was in "half-flood mode" although minor tributaries and streams were flooding.

He said that he expects that things will begin to mount perhaps more rapidly than what it has been.