- Two individuals are missing, and another is severely injured following a landslip that struck a residence in Papamoa
- Approximately 10,000 individuals are currently without power, predominantly in Bay of Plenty.
- SH2 is closed near Paeroa in Hauraki District, SH25 is closed in multiple locations isolating Whitianga. SH35 was also closed overnight
- Red rain warnings across the North Island have been rescinded
- Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Hauraki District, and Whangarei are still under precautionary states of emergency.
One person is in critical condition and two individuals are unaccounted for after a landslide in Tauranga, amidst ongoing rain and flooding difficulties nationwide.
Authorities were alerted shortly after 4am about a landslide that extensively damaged a residence on Welcome Bay Rd in Papamoa.
Several homes in the vicinity are being evacuated.
Law enforcement has urged people in Western Bay of Plenty to refrain from unnecessary travel due to various road closures caused by the adverse weather conditions overnight.
Meanwhile, in the East Cape region, helicopters are being dispatched to aid individuals stranded on rooftops due to flooding in Te Araroa, as stated by the police this morning.
Gisborne, located south of Te Araroa, Mayor Rehette Stoltz emphasized the persisting dangers despite the rainfall subsiding.
“Vigilance is paramount, especially during travel.”
Stoltz mentioned extensive flooding in Gisborne, with infrastructure assessments scheduled for today.
The weather has started to ease following yesterday’s torrential rain, yet numerous road closures, power outages affecting thousands, and ongoing states of emergency persist in various regions.
MetService has removed all weather alerts for the North Island, which previously included red warnings in select areas. However, alerts and watches remain in effect for parts of the South Island.
Tasman west of Mapua is currently under an orange heavy rain warning, while Tasman and Nelson Districts east of Mapua are under a heavy rain watch.
Additionally, heavy rain watches have been issued for Buller, Grey Districts, Canterbury, and the Kaikoura District.
Subsiding Waters
Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Peter Revell informed Morning Report that floodwaters were receding and roads were gradually reopening.
“Few locations are still inaccessible due to flooding, with several road blockages caused by landslides.”
Rapid impact assessment teams are actively evaluating the region, as per Revell.
He further mentioned overnight evacuations due to flooding and landslides, ensuring the safety of all individuals.
“Restoring road access is a priority to ensure residents have access to vital services like hospitals.”
Several major roads remain closed in the northern and eastern parts of the North Island this morning.
State Highway 2 is closed near Paeroa in Hauraki District, at Katikati near Tauranga, and at the Waioweka Gorge between Opotiki and Gisborne.
In Coromandel, SH25 is closed in multiple locations, isolating Whitianga.
On the east coast, SH35 was closed overnight, with officials currently assessing the route.
MetService reported rainfall totals of approximately 150mm to 180mm in certain North Island areas overnight.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane mentioned on Morning Report that most of the wet weather has moved off the North Island, with continued wet conditions forecasted for the South Island.
