Key Takeaways
- Six people are unaccounted for following a landslide in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
- The landslide occurred at a holiday park, hitting a toilet and shower block and knocking over campervans and tents
- Two teenagers, aged 15 and older, are among those unaccounted for
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described the situation as a "profound tragedy" and is visiting affected areas
- Rescue efforts are ongoing, but progress is slow due to the instability of the site and the risk of further landslides
Introduction to the Landslide
The landslide in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, has resulted in six people being unaccounted for, with two teenagers, aged 15 and older, among those missing. The landslide occurred at a holiday park, hitting a toilet and shower block and knocking over campervans and tents. The incident has been described as a "profound tragedy" by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is visiting affected areas. The search for those unaccounted for is ongoing, with rescue teams working carefully to remove debris and search for signs of life.
Rescue Efforts
Rescue efforts are being led by specialist teams, who are working carefully to remove layers of debris in a complex and high-risk environment. The site is unstable, and there is a continued risk of further landslides, which is slowing progress. Assistant National Commander David Guard has warned that the operation could take days, and that the teams are working in a "complex and high-risk environment". The focus is on ensuring the safety of the rescue teams and the public, while also searching for those unaccounted for. Fire and Emergency has urged anyone in a life-threatening situation to call 111, and is working to support those affected by the landslide.
Reaction from Authorities
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has visited the site and spoken to the media, describing the situation as a "profound tragedy". He has acknowledged the complex array of emotions experienced by the families of those unaccounted for, and has promised that the government will do everything it can to support them. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has warned that the rescue efforts could take "days", and that the teams are working to ensure the slip does not move further. The police are also seeking information on three international tourists who had checked in to the holiday park, and are working with the embassy to locate them.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses have described the moment the landslide occurred, with one witness, retired GP Alanna Ratna, describing the "enormous noise" and seeing trees "moving down the hillside" as people nearby screamed and ran. She praised the courage of two builders who immediately climbed onto the roof of the toilet block to try and rescue those trapped, describing them as "the real heroes". The incident has shocked the community, with many people coming together to support those affected.
Ongoing Response
The response to the landslide is ongoing, with emergency services across the upper North Island remaining under pressure. Specialist water rescue teams from around the North Island have been demobilised, as the focus shifts to the ongoing search at Mt Maunganui and recovery efforts elsewhere. The police are urging people to avoid the area to allow emergency services to work safely, and are asking anyone with information about those unaccounted for to come forward. The incident is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
Conclusion
The landslide in Mount Maunganui is a tragic reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The search for those unaccounted for is ongoing, and rescue teams are working carefully to remove debris and search for signs of life. The government and emergency services are working together to support those affected, and the community is coming together to provide assistance. The incident is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families of those unaccounted for.