Recovery efforts at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, were suspended on Sunday due to safety concerns. Authorities pulled all personnel from the site. Work halted after cracks appeared in the ground.
Officials said the suspension was necessary to protect rescue and recovery teams. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson confirmed that work would resume cautiously, assessing risks day by day.
Six Presumed Dead
Heavy rains on Thursday triggered the landslide at a busy campground on the North Island. Six people, including two teenagers, are presumed dead. The site in Tauranga was crowded with families on summer holidays when soil and rubble collapsed.
Authorities have been working to identify victims. Human remains were recovered on Saturday, shifting operations from rescue to recovery.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the news as “devastating” and extended condolences to affected families. He stated that all New Zealanders grieve with those who lost loved ones.
Safety Risks Prompt Caution
The crack found at the site raised serious concerns about further landslides. Authorities emphasized that public and worker safety remained the top priority. They are closely monitoring ground conditions before resuming recovery.
Officials did not announce a timeline for returning to the site. Instead, they said decisions would be made daily depending on site stability.
Recent Weather Events Compound Crisis
The heavy rainfall that triggered the Mount Maunganui landslide also caused another landslide in the nearby suburb of Papamoa. That incident resulted in two deaths, highlighting ongoing risks from unstable terrain.
Emergency teams continue to evaluate vulnerable areas across Tauranga and surrounding regions. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid unstable locations.
Community and Recovery Efforts
Local agencies are coordinating with national authorities to manage recovery operations safely. Teams are prepared with heavy machinery and monitoring equipment to ensure work resumes when it is safe.
Authorities continue to update families about victims and recovery progress. The situation remains critical as officials balance urgency with safety.
