Key Takeaways:
- A landslide has struck a camping site at the base of Mauao, Mount Maunganui on the North Island of New Zealand, leaving several people missing.
- The incident occurred at around 9:30am local time, hitting campervans, cars, tents, and a toilet and shower block.
- Emergency services, including sniffer dogs, are on the scene, and a rescue operation is underway.
- A young girl is among the missing, and other children may be unaccounted for.
- The stability of the land and safety issues are being taken into account as crews work to rescue those trapped.
Introduction to the Incident
The North Island of New Zealand has been hit by a devastating landslide that has struck a camping site at the base of Mauao, Mount Maunganui. The incident, described as a "major incident," occurred at around 9:30am local time, catching campers off guard. The landslide hit campervans, cars, tents, and a toilet and shower block, leaving several people missing. Emergency services, including sniffer dogs, are on the scene, working to find anyone trapped at the Beachside Holiday Park.
Emergency Response
The response to the landslide has been swift, with emergency services, including firefighters, police, and ambulance workers, rushing to the scene. Fire and Emergency commander William Pike stated that first responders heard voices from under the rubble when they arrived, but nothing else has been heard since. Despite the challenges, crews are continuing to search for anyone trapped, with 40 firefighters, including an urban search and rescue team, responding to the incident. The Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club is being used as a triage centre and evacuation point, and the rest of the campsite has been evacuated.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency services working to locate those missing. Police District Commander Assistant Commissioner Tim Anderson stated that he could not confirm the exact number of people missing, but it was in single figures. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that a young girl is among the missing, and RNZ understands that other children may be unaccounted for. The stability of the land and safety issues are being taken into account as crews work to rescue those trapped. Geoscientists will conduct a full assessment of the area before it reopens to assure the public that it is safe.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses to the landslide have described the scene as chaotic and devastating. A Tauranga resident living near the campground, Robyn, watched emergency staff digging through the mud and saw ambulances leaving the scene without anyone inside. Another witness, Nix Jaques, was about to walk up the mountain when she heard an incredibly loud noise and saw the land coming down onto some structures. She spoke to a couple missing a child and tried to help in the early stages, but emergency services arrived quickly afterwards.
Community Response
The community is coming together to support those affected by the landslide. Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford asked members of the public to keep those impacted in their thoughts and not to come to the area to allow clear access for rescuers. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale stated that it is an evolving situation, and efforts are being made to work through all the lists of those who are checked in. The incident is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and the need for emergency services to be equipped to respond to such incidents.
Conclusion
The landslide at the Beachside Holiday Park is a tragic incident that has left several people missing. The emergency response has been swift, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The community is coming together to support those affected, and the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. As the situation continues to unfold, the thoughts of the community are with those affected, and hopes are that those missing will be found safe and sound.
