Several individuals, including children, are unaccounted for following a significant landslide at a holiday park near Mount Maunganui in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed ongoing search and rescue operations at the Beachside Holiday Park.
Describing the incident as a ‘tragedy,’ Mark Mitchell mentioned that family members of those being rescued were present at the campground. Rescuers, led by Fire and Emergency New Zealand commander William Pike, initially heard voices beneath the debris but have not detected any survivors since the initial calls for help.
The landslide, which occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time, swept through campervans, cars, tents, hot pools, and a shower block, prompting evacuations throughout the area. Emergency services are diligently working to locate any individuals still in the vicinity, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Following Tauranga’s record-breaking rainfall of 270mm within 24 hours, the landslide took place. The North Island experienced heavy rain and flooding overnight, resulting in power outages for thousands and isolating some communities on the east coast and in Northland.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon advised residents in affected regions to adhere to safety guidelines issued by local authorities amid the severe weather conditions. Luxon emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the ongoing extreme weather events.
New Zealand has faced severe storms and flooding recently, with the Mount Maunganui area receiving its highest daily rainfall on record, equivalent to two-and-a-half months’ worth of rain in just 12 hours. Mayor Mahe Drysdale expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the immediate focus on the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
