Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Trigger Widespread Flooding
Severe floods have struck the North Island of New Zealand, causing major damage and one reported death. Authorities warned that more flooding could follow as extreme weather continues to impact several regions.
New Zealand’s official weather forecaster, MetService, issued fresh alerts on Sunday. The agency warned of a threat to life from dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Officials also highlighted the risk of slips and landslides.
A deepening low-pressure system east of the North Island brought intense rainfall and severe gales. The worst weather was forecast for late Sunday. Conditions were expected to slowly ease on Monday.
Heavy rain began battering large parts of the country on Friday. Rivers quickly swelled beyond safe levels. Roads were submerged and in some cases collapsed. Emergency crews responded to multiple incidents across affected districts.
The extreme weather caused widespread disruption. Homes were evacuated in flood-prone communities. Power outages affected thousands of residents. Authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.
State of Emergency Declared in Waipa and Otorohanga
A state of emergency was declared in the districts of Waipa District and Otorohanga District. The rural agricultural region lies about 180 kilometers south of Auckland, the country’s largest city. Around 10,000 people live in the affected area.
Local authorities acted quickly as floodwaters rose. The Otorohanga District Council confirmed that geotechnical teams worked through the night. They assessed landslides and checked the structural stability of roads. Officials said public safety remained the top priority.
Images shared online showed semirural neighborhoods submerged in muddy water. Several roads were damaged after floodwaters receded. Emergency services closed unsafe routes and redirected traffic.
Energy company Powerco reported that 4,291 properties remained without electricity on the North Island. Crews worked to restore power despite difficult weather conditions. Residents were advised to conserve battery life and report outages promptly.
One Death Reported as Flood Risks Continue
Authorities confirmed that a man apparently died after his vehicle became submerged in floodwaters on a highway. Emergency responders recovered the vehicle on Saturday. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
About 80 people were evacuated to an emergency center as conditions worsened. Officials said more evacuations could occur if river levels continue to rise. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to stay alert.
The latest disaster comes months after another deadly weather event. In January, six people were killed when heavy rain triggered a landslide at Mount Maunganui. The landslide struck a site crowded with families during the summer holiday season.
Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather system. Emergency teams remain on standby across the North Island. Officials stressed the importance of following safety advice and staying informed through official channels.
The coming days will be critical as floodwaters move downstream. Communities hope for calmer weather and a swift recovery from the destruction.
