Deadly Landslides in New Zealand: Fatalities and Missing Persons Reported

In a tragic turn of events, a New Zealand campground experienced a severe landslide, leaving several people missing. The landslide devastated parts of the popular camping site located at the base of Mount Maunganui. Tents were crushed under the mud as captured in videos shared online, according to police reports.

Witnesses described hearing screams for help coming from a toilet block at the site. People on the roof desperately attempted to reach those trapped inside. However, about 15 minutes later, the voices went silent, as reported by the New Zealand Herald, citing a man involved in the rescue operation.

Uncertainty Surrounds the Number of Missing Individuals

The exact number of missing individuals remains uncertain. New Zealand’s news outlet Stuff reported at least six people buried, including several children, although authorities have not confirmed these numbers. During a press conference, police mentioned the number of missing was in the single digits. Due to the risk of further landslides, rescue operations are being conducted with extreme caution, but there is hope that survivors may still be found.

Mount Maunganui, a resort town on a peninsula known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and a prominent extinct volcano affectionately referred to as “The Mount,” is located in the renowned Bay of Plenty region on the North Island. With the ongoing summer holidays in New Zealand, many people are on vacation, traveling across the country.

Severe Flooding in Multiple Regions

Following another landslide in the nearby town of Papamoa, which struck a residential building, two fatalities were reported. The calamities were triggered by extreme rainfall. The region recorded rainfall amounts equivalent to two and a half months’ worth within just twelve hours — the highest daily amount ever recorded. Several regions have declared a state of emergency.

Other parts of the North Island have also experienced significant flooding. North of Auckland, a man is missing after being swept away by the currents while attempting to cross the Mahurangi River in his vehicle. Rescue teams, equipped with drones, helicopters, and rafting boats, are actively searching, as reported by Radio New Zealand.