In brief
New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, has declared a state of emergency due to torrential rain leading to severe flooding across the region. Local authorities have advised residents to stay indoors as substantial rainfall is expected over the coming days. Multiple evacuations have been reported, and infrastructure such as roads and schools have been severely impacted. This weather event follows closely after Cyclone Vaianu swept through the area, raising concerns regarding climate change-related extreme weather.
New Zealand has declared a state of emergency in its capital city Wellington as torrential rain and flash flooding drenched the country's North Island.
Footage online shows vehicles submerged, trees uprooted, and houses hit by landslides. Wellington received a record 77mm (3 inches) of rain in less than an hour.
Local authorities advised residents to hunker down, with rain forecast for the next day and a half. Some flights at Wellington Airport have been cancelled, and several schools have shut their campuses.
More than a dozen people have been evacuated, while a 60-year-old man in the Karori suburb has been reported missing. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.
This series of flash floods comes less than a week after Cyclone Vaianu swept through the North Island last weekend.
Research has shown that climate change has made extreme weather events, including floods, more common around the world.
Local officials have reported significant damage, with flooding strong enough to shift cars and lift manhole covers. Some residents described harrowing experiences as they sought refuge, including one who attempted to escape on a neighbour's motorbike when a landslide blocked their path.
Emergency management officials are advising anyone in low-lying areas to consider evacuating to stay safe. The Wellington City Mission has been set up to assist those needing shelter during this crisis.
