Weeks after a devastating landslide in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, police have confirmed their search for the six missing individuals has officially ended. Authorities made the difficult decision to transition from rescue to recovery mode as hope for survival fades.

The incident has generated an outpouring of grief, particularly for two teenagers who are among the missing, including a 15-year-old. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson revealed that search teams located human remains beneath the debris on Friday, heightening the urgency for identification and recovery.

This is heartbreaking news for the families and the many people who have worked tirelessly over the past few days, Anderson lamented. Two additional victims of a separate landslide nearby have also been reported dead, including a grandmother and her grandchild, further emphasizing the tragedy that has struck the region.

New Zealand's North Island has been experiencing severe weather conditions, with heavy rainfall complicating rescue and recovery efforts at Mount Maunganui, known for its popularity and historical significance.

As recovery efforts continue and identification processes commence, families of the missing are left grappling with heartbreak and uncertainty, while communities rally in support.