Rescue efforts are underway in New Zealand after a devastating landslide at a popular campsite on the North Island, leaving several people missing. The tragedy occurred late on Wednesday afternoon when heavy rains caused widespread flooding and landslides across the region.
Mount Maunganui holiday park, which is a favorite among tourists, was hit hard by the landslide. Campervans and a shower block were destroyed in the disaster, while two separate incidents of landslides also struck houses in neighboring Papamoa and another area north of Auckland.
Among those still missing are several children, according to officials. The search for survivors is ongoing, but rescue workers have warned that further landslides could hamper their efforts.
"We still hope to find someone alive," said Superintendent Tim Anderson, the Police District Commander. "It's in the single figures, so I won't comment on the exact number, but we are trying to locate those who may be missing."
Emergency responders detected signs of life in the rubble but withdrew from the site due to concerns about further ground movement.
"We initially heard voices when we arrived at the scene," said Fire and Emergency Commander William Park. "However, shortly after we pulled out, we decided not to go back into the area again due to the risk of more slides."
The incident has highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on extreme weather events. "We're actively monitoring situations across the country, including in Mount Maunganui," said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Scientists have warned that similar extreme weather will only become more frequent and severe unless significant steps are taken to reduce pollution and mitigate its effects.
Mount Maunganui holiday park, which is a favorite among tourists, was hit hard by the landslide. Campervans and a shower block were destroyed in the disaster, while two separate incidents of landslides also struck houses in neighboring Papamoa and another area north of Auckland.
Among those still missing are several children, according to officials. The search for survivors is ongoing, but rescue workers have warned that further landslides could hamper their efforts.
"We still hope to find someone alive," said Superintendent Tim Anderson, the Police District Commander. "It's in the single figures, so I won't comment on the exact number, but we are trying to locate those who may be missing."
Emergency responders detected signs of life in the rubble but withdrew from the site due to concerns about further ground movement.
"We initially heard voices when we arrived at the scene," said Fire and Emergency Commander William Park. "However, shortly after we pulled out, we decided not to go back into the area again due to the risk of more slides."
The incident has highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on extreme weather events. "We're actively monitoring situations across the country, including in Mount Maunganui," said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Scientists have warned that similar extreme weather will only become more frequent and severe unless significant steps are taken to reduce pollution and mitigate its effects.
just heard about this landslide in New Zealand and it's so sad 
. Those poor people who got trapped under the rubble must be thinking of their loved ones right now 
. The fact that kids are among those missing is making my heart sink 
.
. I'm sending all my positive vibes to the rescue teams and emergency responders who are risking their lives to find those missing people 
.
. And on a personal level, I'm so grateful for the advancements in technology and equipment that can help with search and rescue missions – it's truly amazing 
!
the landslide at mount maunganui holiday park sounds like a nightmare come true...i mean, who loses their life in a disaster of that kinda scale? 
especially the kids tho, its just not fair 
️
We need to start holding ourselves and our tourism industries accountable for the risks we're taking on.
this is so crazy! The landslide at the campsite was like something out of a movie, I mean, you never expect something like that to happen in your own backyard. And it's really sad that some people are still missing, especially those kids... it's just not fair 
!
at least the govt is recognizin the issue and sayin we need to do somethin about pollution and climate change 
Disaster in NZ! 
Landslide at campsite has people missing 
. Hope they find survivors soon 
. Emergency responders risking lives to save others 
️
. NZ will rebuild and recover stronger 
.
... hope the search efforts continue until everyone is accounted for