Over 1.5 million affected, 4 dead as floods, rainfall batter New Zealand for third day straight
The death toll from Sunday’s heavy rainfall on New Zealand’s north island, which resulted in landslides, flash floods, and blocked roads, increased to four after a person who had been reported missing was found dead.
Affecting all its 1.6 million residents, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and has been battered by rain since Friday. More severe weather was expected for the north island on Sunday and Monday, according to the nation’s weather forecaster, MetService, Reuters reported.
Since then, the issue’s centre of gravity has shifted south, with Waitomo District, which is situated 220 kilometres (137 miles) from Auckland, announcing a state of emergency late on Saturday.
A guy who was reported missing after being washed away on Friday in Onewhero, a small community about 70 kilometres (43 miles) south of Auckland, was found dead, according to police.
Though the impact varies by region, heavy rainfall bouts are becoming increasingly frequent and strong in New Zealand. When expressing his condolences for individuals affected by flooding on Twitter on Saturday, climate change minister James Shaw made a reference to the connection.
On Sunday, police stated that they were aiding with traffic control and road closures in that area due to “many slides, flooding, and damage to roadways” brought on by the severe rainfall.
According to authorities, there was “widespread flooding” and a landslide in the neighbouring Bay of Plenty that had destroyed a home and was endangering nearby buildings.
Authorities reported on Sunday that thousands of homes were still without water and hundreds lacked electricity.
However, Air New Zealand announced that starting on Sunday noon, the carrier would restart its international service into and out of Auckland.
Due to the flooding, more than 2,000 cries for help and 70 evacuations were made in and around Auckland, the country’s largest metropolis.
