Emergency responders conducted search and rescue efforts in New Zealand following a landslide triggered by heavy rains at a campsite. The incident, which occurred in Mount Maunganui, led to power outages affecting thousands and significant damage. Authorities evacuated homes and closed roads along the eastern seaboard of the North Island due to the intense rainfall.
Rescue teams utilized earthmoving equipment to clear debris and locate missing individuals, including children. Megan Stiffler, a fire and emergency services official, described the operation as complex and high-risk, emphasizing continuous overnight efforts. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson confirmed that the number of missing individuals was in the single digits, expressing hope of finding survivors amid the challenging conditions.
Helicopters and search dogs were deployed in the search mission, while approximately 8,000 people remained without power, down from the initial 16,000. Despite the widespread impact, no fatalities had been reported. Witness accounts, such as that of Canadian Dion Siluch, highlighted the intense nature of the landslide, with individuals recounting harrowing experiences and evacuations from the affected area.
Additional missing persons were reported in separate incidents, with two individuals unaccounted for after a landslide in Papamoa and another missing following a vehicle washout near Auckland. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon assured that the government was providing support to those affected by the natural disaster. Transportation disruptions were widespread, with road closures in various regions due to the adverse weather conditions.
As weather authorities lifted warnings in the North Island following the passage of a tropical low, rescue operations continued in the aftermath of the landslides, emphasizing the importance of safety and swift response efforts.
