In New Zealand's North Island, two individuals have tragically lost their lives, with numerous others still unaccounted for following devastating landslides triggered by relentless rainfall. Officials confirmed the casualties at Welcome Bay, while rescue teams tirelessly comb through the debris at a popular campsite on Mount Maunganui.
Rescue operations are underway, but authorities expressed deep concerns about the ongoing search efforts, as no signs of life have been detected. They indicated that they have a rough estimate of the missing, which reportedly includes at least one young girl.
The heavy downpours have wreaked havoc across the region, leading to widespread flooding, power outages, and severe damage. Ministerial statements described areas along the east coast as resembling a war zone as communities grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed the nation's sorrow over the profound tragedy affecting the country, stating New Zealand is heavy with grief. Meanwhile, footage from the scene captures the utter devastation near the volcanic dome, where rescuers utilize dogs to search through crushed structures.
Those trapped under the rubble reportedly cried out for help as rescuers race against time. Eyewitnesses relayed harrowing tales of survival, with one Australian tourist recounting the terrifying moment he witnessed a major landslide while relaxing in a hot pool.
The search efforts are complicated by the precarious conditions posed by the unstable terrain. Authorities continue to prioritize the safety of their teams while striving to locate the missing.
A state of emergency has been declared across various regions, including the Bay of Plenty, as weather patterns continue to challenge local resilience. The rainfall has been unprecedented, leading to record-setting amounts in some areas, with Tauranga, for example, experiencing three months of rain in just one day. Hundreds of homes remain without power as the region braces for ongoing weather challenges.
The local community is now left to hold onto hope as families await any news of their loved ones. In a particularly heart-wrenching account, a woman spoke of her husband, missing after a car accident in a swollen river, expressing her belief in his strength as a fisherman.
