Key Takeaways
- A landslide hit a popular campsite in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, leaving six people unaccounted for and two teenagers missing
- Another landslide in nearby Welcome Bay killed a grandmother and her grandchild, with one of the victims being a Chinese national
- Heavy rain has been pounding the North Island for days, causing widespread flooding and landslides
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised the community’s response to the disaster, but notes that key challenges remain, including road access and continued risks of slips and flooding
- Rescuers are working 24/7 to search for the missing, with no signs of life under the rubble so far
Introduction to the Disaster
The search for missing people continues after a devastating landslide hit a popular campsite in Mount Maunganui, on New Zealand’s North Island. The disaster has left six people unaccounted for, with two teenagers among the missing, the youngest being just 15 years old. The landslide has also resulted in the deaths of a grandmother and her grandchild in nearby Welcome Bay, with one of the victims being a Chinese national. The landslides come after heavy rain has been pounding the North Island for days, causing widespread flooding and damage.
Prime Minister’s Response
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the disaster site on Friday and praised the community’s response to the tragedy. He described it as "inspiring" to see the support pouring in from neighbors and friends, who are helping to clear debris in flood-hit areas. Despite the tragedy, Luxon said he was "incredibly impressed" by the professionalism of the rescue efforts. However, he noted that key challenges remain, including road access to isolated communities and continued risks of slips and flooding. The Prime Minister emphasized that much of the focus remains on the search and rescue mission, with rescuers working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The search and rescue mission is ongoing, with police appealing to the public for any information about another three people who might have been at the site. These individuals are believed to be international tourists who may have already departed from the area. Police district commander Tim Anderson said that while they do not believe these individuals are still in the area, they must still conduct a thorough inquiry. Rescuers have not seen any signs of life under the rubble, but they are continuing to work 24/7, leaving no stone unturned. Footage from the campsite shows rescuers and sniffer dogs combing through crushed caravans and flattened tents, highlighting the scale of the destruction.
Impact on the Community
The landslide has had a significant impact on the community, with many people affected by the disaster. A tourist who was at the campsite when the landslide occurred described the moment it happened, saying he had jumped out of the pool as he saw the huge landslide coming down. The sacred Māori site is a popular tourist attraction, but it has seen several landslides in recent years. The Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying that their hearts are with those impacted by the tragedy.
Ongoing Search Efforts
The search for missing people is not limited to the Mount Maunganui campsite. Elsewhere on North Island, the search has resumed for a missing man who was swept away into the Mahurangi River, north of Auckland, on Wednesday. The man’s wife said that their family is still holding out hope for his safe return, noting that he is an experienced fisherman and knows how to swim and dive. The search efforts are ongoing, with rescuers working to locate the missing individuals and bring closure to their families.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for the affected areas is not promising, with thunderstorms and strong winds expected over the weekend. The meteorological service has warned of potential flooding and landslides in Gisborne and Tauranga, highlighting the need for continued caution and vigilance. The Prime Minister has urged people to remain safe and to follow the instructions of emergency services. As the search and rescue efforts continue, the community remains hopeful that the missing individuals will be found safe and sound.