New Zealand is reeling from two devastating landslides that tore through a house and a busy campground, leaving at least six people still missing. The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, described the country as "full of grief" as he met with families who had lost loved ones in the disaster.
The first landslide hit a house in the community of Welcome Bay on New Zealand's North Island at 4:50am, killing two people who were trapped inside. Two others escaped the house but were badly injured. The second landslide, which occurred hours later, struck a campground near Mount Maunganui, crushing recreational vehicles and buildings.
At least six people are still missing, including two teenagers, and police are working to contact their families. Emergency services had issued warnings of possible landslides in the area earlier in the day, but it appears that many campers remained unaware of the danger.
The landslide was triggered by heavy rains that have caused widespread damage across the North Island. The region's Civil Defence agency had warned of the risk of landslides and rockfalls, advising people to stay away from areas prone to flooding.
Fire and Emergency NZ commander William Pike said that members of the public had tried to get into the rubble after the landslide but were forced back due to concerns about further collapse. Australian tourist Sonny Worrall described hearing a huge rumble behind him as he was in a hot pool, before seeing the landslide carrying a travel trailer.
The government is doing everything it can to support those affected by the disaster, with Prime Minister Luxon urging residents to heed local authorities' safety advice during extreme weather conditions. The search for missing people continues, with police using dogs and other equipment to try to locate them.
The first landslide hit a house in the community of Welcome Bay on New Zealand's North Island at 4:50am, killing two people who were trapped inside. Two others escaped the house but were badly injured. The second landslide, which occurred hours later, struck a campground near Mount Maunganui, crushing recreational vehicles and buildings.
At least six people are still missing, including two teenagers, and police are working to contact their families. Emergency services had issued warnings of possible landslides in the area earlier in the day, but it appears that many campers remained unaware of the danger.
The landslide was triggered by heavy rains that have caused widespread damage across the North Island. The region's Civil Defence agency had warned of the risk of landslides and rockfalls, advising people to stay away from areas prone to flooding.
Fire and Emergency NZ commander William Pike said that members of the public had tried to get into the rubble after the landslide but were forced back due to concerns about further collapse. Australian tourist Sonny Worrall described hearing a huge rumble behind him as he was in a hot pool, before seeing the landslide carrying a travel trailer.
The government is doing everything it can to support those affected by the disaster, with Prime Minister Luxon urging residents to heed local authorities' safety advice during extreme weather conditions. The search for missing people continues, with police using dogs and other equipment to try to locate them.