New Zealand's North Island has been rocked by severe landslides, leading to the heartbreaking deaths of two individuals and fears for others who are missing. Rescuers are currently scouring the rubble in search of survivors, particularly at a campsite on Mount Maunganui where the landslides occurred.
Authorities have reported no signs of life as they search through the debris, which includes crushed caravans and flattened tents. The tragic incident has left the community and officials devastated, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressing the nation’s grief.
Heavy rainfall that has inundated the region led to flooding, which has resulted in power outages and emergency declarations across multiple areas. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as the ground gave way unexpectedly, leaving tourists scrambling for safety.
Rescue operations continue amid the challenging conditions, with teams working diligently overnight, hoping to bring some good news. The country's emergency services are employing every resource available in what has become a complex and hazardous operation.
The toll from this disaster adds to the woes of communities still recovering from previous extreme weather events, reflecting an alarming trend of increasingly severe storms and flooding in New Zealand.
