New Zealand’s North Island stands on high alert as more flooding looms following recent destructive deluges. Torrential rains have already caused widespread power outages, road collapses, and forced evacuations. Additionally, the floods were connected to the death of a man found in his submerged vehicle.
The weather bureau has issued warnings of ‘life-threatening’ river conditions and significant flooding as a deepening low-pressure system intensifies over the region. Heavy rainfall and severe gales are expected to batter several areas, with the worst forecasted on Sunday evening and conditions gradually improving by Monday.
A state of emergency has been declared in the agricultural districts of Waipa and Otorohanga, located south of Auckland. As debris and compromised infrastructure persist, geotechnical teams work overnight to assess stability. Thousands remain without power as energy companies and local authorities continue recovery efforts.