New Zealand storms: people missing after landslide hits campsite as minister compares east coast to 'war zone'
Emergency services in New Zealand are racing against time to locate several people, including a young child, who are believed to be trapped under the rubble of a landslide that hit a campsite on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at Mount Maunganui, a popular tourist destination on the east coast, where widespread damage and flooding have been reported.
The stormy weather has caused widespread disruption across the North Island, with five regions in Northland and the East Cape declaring states of emergency due to days of record-breaking torrential rain. Emergency Minister Mark Mitchell described parts of the east coast as looking like a "war zone", with helicopters deployed to rescue families sheltering on rooftops from flooding.
The landslide struck at around 9:30am, catching visitors off guard. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before seeing a large chunk of hillside hit the campsite, causing destruction and chaos. One fisherman who was nearby told RNZ that he heard "rolling thunder and cracking of trees" before looking up to see the entire hillside give way.
"It's like a war zone out there," Mitchell said in an interview with RNZ. "We're doing everything we can to get people safe, but it's a very difficult and challenging situation."
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with firefighters and emergency services working tirelessly to locate those trapped under the rubble. Local news outlets have reported harrowing stories of escapes and rescues, including one woman who was rescued by kayak as neck-high, fast-flowing water surrounded her home.
Meanwhile, authorities are warning that more heavy rain is expected on Thursday, which could exacerbate the already dire situation. A tropical low has been forecast to bring further torrential downpours, with rainfall falling on ground that's already saturated, meaning impacts like fallen trees, landslides, flooding, and dangerous river conditions are more likely.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised emergency crews for their efforts, saying "all those who are putting themselves in harm's way to keep Kiwis safe, the whole country is grateful". The government is doing everything it can to support those affected by the extreme weather.
Emergency services in New Zealand are racing against time to locate several people, including a young child, who are believed to be trapped under the rubble of a landslide that hit a campsite on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at Mount Maunganui, a popular tourist destination on the east coast, where widespread damage and flooding have been reported.
The stormy weather has caused widespread disruption across the North Island, with five regions in Northland and the East Cape declaring states of emergency due to days of record-breaking torrential rain. Emergency Minister Mark Mitchell described parts of the east coast as looking like a "war zone", with helicopters deployed to rescue families sheltering on rooftops from flooding.
The landslide struck at around 9:30am, catching visitors off guard. Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before seeing a large chunk of hillside hit the campsite, causing destruction and chaos. One fisherman who was nearby told RNZ that he heard "rolling thunder and cracking of trees" before looking up to see the entire hillside give way.
"It's like a war zone out there," Mitchell said in an interview with RNZ. "We're doing everything we can to get people safe, but it's a very difficult and challenging situation."
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with firefighters and emergency services working tirelessly to locate those trapped under the rubble. Local news outlets have reported harrowing stories of escapes and rescues, including one woman who was rescued by kayak as neck-high, fast-flowing water surrounded her home.
Meanwhile, authorities are warning that more heavy rain is expected on Thursday, which could exacerbate the already dire situation. A tropical low has been forecast to bring further torrential downpours, with rainfall falling on ground that's already saturated, meaning impacts like fallen trees, landslides, flooding, and dangerous river conditions are more likely.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised emergency crews for their efforts, saying "all those who are putting themselves in harm's way to keep Kiwis safe, the whole country is grateful". The government is doing everything it can to support those affected by the extreme weather.
, but seriously, like, East Coast of NZ is literally being destroyed right now 
! First, landslides, then flooding, and now more rain? It's like Mother Nature is trying to outdo herself 
. I feel bad for the people trapped under that hillside, though - rescue efforts are underway, so fingers crossed they get saved 
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. And, like, I know people need to be evacuated and stuff, but at the same time, isn't it a bit dramatic to say "we're doing everything we can" when there are already rescue teams on the ground working hard? Maybe just acknowledge their efforts, you feel? 
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. Bring on the coffee and solidarity, NZ! 
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Oh my goodness, I'm thinking of all those people stuck under that landslide 
My heart goes out to their families and friends praying for them all to be safe 
But thank goodness for the brave rescue teams working tirelessly to find everyone 
. And the worst part is, it's going to get worse before it gets better. Tropical low and more heavy rain on Thursday... that's just asking for more destruction. I'm keeping an eye on those rescue efforts, hoping they can pull off some miracles 
. We need to make sure these emergency services are well-funded so we can stay safe during these natural disasters. It's not like we're prepared or anything 
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this storm is crazy! Like, I've seen some rough weather before but Mount Maunganui is totally in a different league right now 
. The whole east coast is like a war zone, can't even imagine what it's like to be there rn 
. Fingers crossed they find everyone safe 
people losing their homes and loved ones 
i hope they find everyone safely 
it's like a war zone out there 
i feel bad for those stuck under the rubble 
poor little kid trapped under all that debris