Heavy rains in New Zealand triggered fatal landslides, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The incidents occurred separately at a house and a campground, with rescuers now engaged in a frantic search for other potential victims buried under the debris.
One landslide struck Welcome Bay in Papamoa at 4:50 am, where two people managed to escape from a house, while two others remained trapped until rescuers located them later. Subsequently, emergency services responded to a second landslide near Mount Maunganui, affecting a beachside holiday park and causing destruction to vehicles, travel trailers, and facilities.
During the Mount Maunganui incident, voices were reportedly heard beneath the debris, leading to a search and rescue operation. Despite initial attempts by the public to reach victims, emergency crews were forced to evacuate the site due to safety concerns.
Authorities, including Police Superintendent Tim Anderson, confirmed that rescuers are still searching for individuals at the Mount Maunganui site, with the number of missing persons estimated to be in single digits. Canine units have been deployed to assist in locating potential survivors amidst the rubble.
Additional reports indicate another individual missing near Warkworth after being swept away by floodwaters. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon urged residents to follow local guidance due to ongoing hazardous weather conditions across the North Island.
Mark Mitchell refrained from disclosing details about the identities of the missing individuals at Mount Maunganui, citing sensitivity. Efforts to determine the exact number of missing persons and review security footage are ongoing, as rescuers face challenges in the recovery operation due to the risk of further landslides.