Three army trucks and soldiers from the Burnham Army base rolled into Ashburton on Sunday ready to help if the call went out to evacuate people.
The local marae also swung into action - preparing food and bringing out the mattresses for those who might need somewhere to sleep.
By mid afternoon, authorities were working on an evacuation plan involving about 4000 residents on either side of the Ashburton River.
RNZ's Conan Young spoke to some of those getting ready in case the main river burst its banks.
