Key Takeaways
- A landslide has hit a holiday park in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, with multiple people unaccounted for
- The total number of people unaccounted for is in "single figures"
- Emergency services are on the scene, with urban search and rescue teams taking a careful approach to ensure the best possible outcome
- The campground has been evacuated, and the area has been closed until further notice
- States of Emergency remain in place for several regions, including Northland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, and Hauraki, following severe weather overnight
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating landslide has struck a holiday park in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, leaving multiple people unaccounted for. The incident occurred at the Beachside Holiday Park on Adams Ave, with emergency services being called to the scene just after 9:30 am. The landslide hit the campsite, causing widespread damage to caravans, tents, and other structures. The authorities have confirmed that the total number of people unaccounted for is in "single figures," but they are unable to provide an exact number at this time.
Response from Emergency Services
Emergency services, including Fire and Emergency NZ, police, and ambulance teams, are on the scene and working to locate people in the affected area. Urban search and rescue teams have been deployed to the site, and they are taking a careful approach to ensure the best possible outcome. According to Fire and Emergency NZ commander William Pike, the situation is being treated as a "rescue operation," and teams are working to carefully search the area without causing further damage or risk to those who may still be trapped. Despite the efforts of emergency services, no one has been rescued from the landslide at this stage.
Eyewitness Accounts
Australian tourist Sonny Worrall, who was swimming in the hot pools at the time of the landslide, described the incident as the "scariest thing I’ve ever experienced in my life." Worrall said he witnessed a huge landslide coming down the hillside and had to jump out of the pool and run for his life. He also reported seeing people screaming and running from the campsite, with the whole incident unfolding in a matter of seconds. Worrall’s account provides a glimpse into the chaos and panic that ensued as the landslide hit the campsite.
Government Response
Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed that emergency services have spoken with family members of some of the people who are unaccounted for. The Minister also acknowledged the tragedy that has unfolded and assured the public that emergency services are doing everything possible to respond to the situation. The Tauranga City Council has also issued a statement, saying that they are working with emergency services to gather more information and provide support. The council has also asked the community to stay away from the area, including any customers who have a booking at Mount Holiday Park.
Current Situation
The campground has been evacuated, and the area has been closed until further notice. Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area to allow emergency responders clear access. States of Emergency remain in place for several regions, including Northland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, and Hauraki, following severe weather overnight. The authorities are urging people to stay safe and follow the instructions of emergency services. The situation is still evolving, and the authorities are working to provide more information as it becomes available.
Conclusion
The landslide at the Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui is a devastating incident that has left multiple people unaccounted for. The authorities are working tirelessly to locate those who are missing, and emergency services are on the scene to provide support. The incident serves as 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. As the situation continues to unfold, the authorities will provide more information, and the public is urged to stay safe and follow the instructions of emergency services.
