Several individuals, including a young girl, are missing following a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall that devastated sections of a campground in New Zealand. The Mount Maunganui campground witnessed tents being flattened and a campervan being pushed into a hot pool due to unprecedented rain causing soil erosion.
Rescue teams are combing through debris in hopes of locating survivors. Additionally, two bodies were discovered in a separate landslide at Welcome Bay in Papamoa, as confirmed by Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell.
The recent landslides coincide with New Zealand enduring severe rainstorms. Ongoing search efforts are underway to locate the missing individuals amidst the aftermath of the Mount Maunganui landslide.
Tauranga Moana iwi Ngāi Te Rangi has extended heartfelt prayers for those missing in the Mount Maunganui tragedy. Deputy chief executive Roimata Ah Sam expressed deep sadness over the event, emphasizing the sacredness of “Koro Mauao” (Grandfather Mauao) and expressing hope for the safe recovery of all individuals.
The Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club, initially serving as an evacuation center, has been cleared due to concerns of additional landslides. The region’s power supply has been disrupted, with thousands still without electricity, and restoration work is ongoing.
A witness, Mark Tangney, recounted his experience of aiding trapped individuals at the campground during the landslide. Minister of Emergency Management Mark Mitchell described the impact of the calamity on the East Coast as comparable to a warzone, affecting a significant portion of the North Island.
Meteorological data revealed that Tauranga experienced record-breaking rainfall, with 274mm falling in a day, the highest since records began in 1910. Authorities are facing challenges in determining the exact number of missing individuals, with some potentially leaving the campground without informing officials.
Search efforts involving sniffer dogs and excavators are ongoing to locate the missing persons. Mount Maunganui, a renowned tourist spot known for its scenic beauty and hiking trails, is a significant landmark on New Zealand’s North Island.
