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Two fatalities confirmed as rescue efforts continue
New Zealand's North Island is reeling from deadly landslides triggered by relentless rainfall, with two deaths reported and multiple people feared trapped under debris. Authorities are conducting search operations at two separate locations-Welcome Bay and a popular campsite on Mount Maunganui-where survivors describe harrowing scenes of destruction.
Mount Maunganui campsite devastation
Rescue teams, including sniffer dogs, are combing through rubble at a campsite near the base of Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano and sacred Māori site. Footage shows a massive landslide that crushed caravans and tents, leaving no signs of life, according to officials. Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler of Urban Search and Rescue described the environment as "complex and high-risk," but confirmed efforts would persist through the night.
Australian tourist Sonny Worrall recounted witnessing the landslide while swimming in a hot pool. "I heard this huge tree crack and all this dirt come off. I turned around and had to jump out of my seat and run," he told TVNZ. Hiker Mark Tangney said he heard screams from beneath the debris for about 30 minutes before they abruptly stopped.
Widespread flooding and emergency declarations
A state of emergency has been declared across the Bay of Plenty, where Mount Maunganui is located, as well as in Northland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, and Hauraki. Record-breaking rainfall inundated the region, with Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty receiving three months' worth of rain in a single day. Approximately 8,000 households remained without power as of Thursday morning, Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell compared the east coast's devastation to "a war zone," though he noted that advance warnings helped mitigate the impact. "Everyone responded really quickly, and there was time to get prepared," he told RNZ.
Personal tragedies and ongoing risks
In a separate incident, a 47-year-old man from Kiribati was swept away in the Mahurangi River after his car plunged into the water. His wife, who spoke to RNZ, said he pushed their nephew to safety before being carried away by the current. "I know his personality is strong, wise," she said, expressing hope for his survival. The nephew managed to cling to a branch and escape.
Further landslide risks prompted the evacuation of a surf club in another part of Mount Maunganui. Authorities have not released an exact number of missing persons but confirmed the group includes "at least one young girl."
Climate patterns exacerbate disasters
New Zealand's summer months-typically December to February-have increasingly been marred by extreme weather. Cyclone Gabrielle, which struck in February 2023, remains the costliest cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere, inflicting NZ$13.5 billion ($7.9 billion) in damage. This week's floods compound the challenges for communities still rebuilding from past disasters.
"New Zealand is heavy with grief after this profound tragedy," Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrote on X.
Search operations persist amid uncertainty
Rescue teams are prioritizing safety while navigating unstable terrain. Stiffler emphasized the difficulty of the operation but reiterated their commitment to locating survivors. The exact number of missing individuals remains unconfirmed as authorities await further details.
