Key Takeaways:
- Two people are missing and one person is seriously injured after a landslide in Papamoa
- Thousands of people are without power, mostly in Bay of Plenty
- Several major roads are shut, including SH2 and SH25, due to flooding and landslides
- States of emergency remain in place in Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Hauraki District, and Whangarei
- Red rain warnings have been lifted in the North Island, but some warnings and watches remain in the South Island
Introduction to the Weather Crisis
The recent weather crisis in New Zealand has caused significant damage and disruption, with thousands of people affected by flooding, landslides, and power outages. The situation is particularly dire in the North Island, where two people are missing and one person is seriously injured after a landslide hit a home in Papamoa. The landslip, which occurred early in the morning, has also led to the evacuation of several houses in the area. Emergency services are working to rescue and recover the two missing people, and a rescue and recovery operation is ongoing.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
The emergency response to the weather crisis has been swift, with police, firefighters, and other emergency services working to evacuate people from affected areas. In Te Araroa, helicopters were deployed to assist people trapped on roofs due to flooding, and seven people were rescued and evacuated for medical assessment. In Gisborne, Mayor Rehette Stoltz has warned people to be mindful of the dangers, even as the rain begins to ease. Evacuations have occurred in several areas, including Hicks Bay and Tokomaru Bay, where two people were rescued from a flooded property.
Weather Update and Road Closures
The weather situation is slowly improving, with MetService lifting all its weather alerts for the North Island. However, some warnings and watches remain in place for the South Island, where heavy rain is still forecast. Several major roads remain shut, including SH2 and SH25, due to flooding and landslides. Thames-Coromandel District mayor Peter Revell has reported that floodwaters are receding and roads are opening, but some areas remain cut off. The priority is to get all roads open again, so people have access to essential services such as hospitals.
Assessment and Recovery
Assessment teams are out in the affected areas, evaluating the damage and identifying areas of need. In Gisborne, teams will be assessing infrastructure today, and in Coromandel, rapid impact assessment teams are working to assess the area. The recovery effort will likely take some time, with many people affected by the flooding and landslides. The government has announced that states of emergency will remain in place in several areas, including Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Hauraki District, and Whangarei, until the situation improves.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the improving weather, there are still many challenges to overcome. Thousands of people are without power, mostly in Bay of Plenty, and many roads remain closed. The risk of further landslides and flooding remains, and people are being warned to be cautious when traveling. The situation is being closely monitored by emergency services and government agencies, and updates will be provided as the situation develops. In the meantime, people are advised to stay safe and follow the instructions of emergency services.