In brief
A series of deadly landslides in New Zealand's North Island have resulted in two confirmed deaths and many missing, including at least one minor. Rescue operations are ongoing amidst challenging conditions, with the Prime Minister describing the event as a 'profound tragedy.' Heavy rains in recent days have led to flooding and power outages across the region, impacting thousands.
Two people have died and several are feared buried after landslides in New Zealand's North Island.
The deaths were reported at Welcome Bay, while rescue workers are still searching through rubble at a different site in a popular campground on Mount Maunganui.
There are no signs of life, authorities said, adding that they have a rough idea of how many people are missing but are waiting for an exact figure. They provided no other details except that the group includes at least one young girl.
The landslides were triggered by heavy rains over the last few days, which led to flooding and power outages across North Island. One minister said the east coast resembled a war zone.
New Zealand is heavy with grief after the profound tragedy caused by recent weather, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on X.
Footage from the campsite shows a huge slip near the base of the volcanic dome, as rescuers and sniffer dogs comb through crushed caravans and flattened tents.
Families are anxiously awaiting news as search operations continue through the night amid fears of more landslides. A state of emergency has been declared in the Bay of Plenty where Mount Maunganui is located, alongside various other regions in the North Island.
In a reflective statement, Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell noted, It's been a very big event for us as a country, really hitting almost our entire eastern seaboard of the North Island.
This week’s flooding has complicated recovery efforts from previous weather-related disasters, showcasing the increasing severity of climate impacts in New Zealand.
