Key Highlights
- New Zealand experiences widespread flooding and landslides due to heavy rainfall.
- At least one young girl is missing after a landslide near Mount Maunganui.
- Prime Minister Chris Luxon pledges support for affected communities.
- Multiple local states of emergency have been declared across the North Island.
Widespread Landslides and Flooding in New Zealand
New Zealand is grappling with a series of devastating landslides and floods, following days of heavy rainfall. The situation has become increasingly critical as more people remain unaccounted for, including at least one young girl who was reported missing from a landslide-affected campsite near Mount Maunganui.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Local and national authorities have mobilized rescue teams to search through the debris in the affected areas. Despite no signs of life being found so far, dog units are being deployed to assist in the search for potential survivors. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Emergency Management has confirmed that multiple people are still missing following landslides near Mount Maunganui and Papamoa.
Government Response and Emergency Declarations
The New Zealand government is taking a proactive approach to support those impacted by the severe weather conditions. Prime Minister Chris Luxon emphasized the country’s commitment, stating, “We are standing with these local communities in the response – and we will stand with them in the recovery too.” He also highlighted the dangerous weather situation, noting that it has affected almost the entire eastern seaboard of New Zealand’s North Island.
Impact on Infrastructure and Daily Life
The heavy rainfall has resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, causing mass power outages across various regions. According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), approximately 8,000 people were without power as of Thursday morning, down from a reported 16,000 the previous night. The majority of these outages are concentrated in areas such as the eastern Waikato and Northland.
Local authorities have issued warnings to residents to avoid non-essential travel due to the ongoing assessment of road damage.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has responded to 236 weather-related callouts between Tuesday morning and Thursday morning, emphasizing the need for caution in flood-prone areas. They advised against driving through floodwaters and recommended using flashlights instead of candles during power outages.
Human Stories Amidst Disaster
The human impact of this disaster is evident in the stories shared by those affected. The wife of a man swept away in the Mahurangi River, who was on his way to work with their nephew, expressed hope that her husband would be found alive. She described the traumatic experience of receiving the news and the gratitude she felt towards those who rescued her nephew.
Mount Maunganui, also known as Mauao, is a popular tourist destination located along New Zealand’s North Island coastline.
The landslide has caused significant damage to its campgrounds, with no signs of life detected in the debris by rescue teams so far. Local officials are working tirelessly to mitigate the impacts and support affected communities.
The combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds has led to a state of emergency being declared in several areas, including Bay of Plenty, Northland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, and Hauraki. The Bay of Plenty region experienced its wettest day on record, with two-and-a-half months’ worth of rain falling within just 12 hours.
As the situation continues to unfold, ongoing efforts are focused on rescue operations, power restoration, and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected individuals and communities. The resilience of New Zealand’s emergency response teams and the solidarity shown by local residents underscore the strength and unity in facing such natural disasters.
