- Human remains have been discovered during the search for individuals buried under a significant landslide at Mt Maunganui.
- Six victims have been identified.
- The operation has transitioned to recovery mode.
- A partial slip occurred at a campground at 6 pm on Friday.
- Emergency services are attempting to locate three other individuals who may have been present at the site.
- Reports suggest that a grandmother and her grandchild are among the victims of a landslide in Pāpāmoa.
- An investigation into the circumstances leading up to the landslide has been initiated.
Police have released the names of six missing persons following a massive landslide at a Mount Maunganui campground in the Bay of Plenty, which occurred during this week’s severe storms.
The landslide occurred at the Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui around 9:30 am on Thursday, causing damage to campervans, tents, vehicles, and an ablution block near the Mount Hot Pools.
The individuals still unaccounted for include two teenagers from Auckland, a Swedish tourist, and a teacher from Morrinsville.
During a press conference on Saturday, authorities confirmed that remains of some victims had been located overnight, with six individuals still missing following the landslide at a popular campground.
The names of those unaccounted for are as follows:
- Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville
- Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden
- Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua
- Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha
- Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland
- Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland
In a Facebook post, Morrinsville Intermediate School confirmed that Lisa Anne Maclennan, a staff member, was among those trapped in the landslide at Mount Maunganui.
“It is with great sadness that we need to inform you that one of our staff members, Lisa Maclennan (our amazing Literacy Centre tutor), is one of the people trapped in the landslide at Mount Maunganui.”
“Our love and aroha go out to Lisa’s family; we ask that you respect their privacy at this very difficult time.”
Pakuranga College also confirmed that both Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico were students at the school.
“Many members of the college have been deeply impacted by the news and we are working to support students and staff in the coming days and weeks.” the school said in a Facebook post.
“The wellbeing of our college community is paramount as the school year starts next week under incredibly sad circumstances.
“Parents have received an email this afternoon with advice and information for supporting their child/ren as they process this distressing event.”
Italian media reported that Sharon, originally from a small town called Picarelli in the municipality of Avellino.
Avellino Today said the community had gathered in the town’s local church as they waited for news.
The names released are only of those unaccounted for and not those who have been found, as the Coroner mentioned that the process of identifying remains could be lengthy.
‘Catastrophic damage’
Bay of Plenty district commander Superintendent Tim Anderson stated this afternoon that the search has shifted to recovery mode.
“Every person involved in this operation has been focused on saving the lives of those under the slip. Search teams have been meticulously working through the layers of the slip, but unfortunately, it is now evident that we will not be able to bring them back alive.”
“This news is devastating for the families and the many individuals who have been tirelessly working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome.
“We have informed the families of this news [on Saturday] morning and will continue to provide them with comprehensive support. They are going through a situation that very few can understand, and we ask for their privacy to be respected as they grieve.”
Anderson mentioned that emergency services are in the initial stages of examining the remains of the victims and will not disclose any information on the findings or potential identities.
“This afternoon, search teams, along with contractors and machinery, are still working through the debris, heading towards the amenities block.
“Based on what we have observed, the building has suffered catastrophic damage, and it is highly improbable that anyone could have survived.”
Emergency services are also attempting to locate three other individuals who may have been at the campsite when the landslide occurred.
Coronial process
Responsibility for identifying the victims, along with other legal procedures, has now been handed over to the Coroners Court, and an internationally approved process for disaster victim identification is being followed.
Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton assured the families and friends of the victims that those who perished in the tragedy would be treated with dignity, although she acknowledged that the identification process could be “painstaking” and “complex,” particularly in cases of severe injuries.
“Victims will be transported to the Hamilton mortuary, where any necessary post mortem examinations will be conducted. With the assistance of Police and other experts, coroners will establish the identities of the victims.
“I cannot provide an exact timeline for the identification process, but I can assure you that we will proceed with caution and as efficiently as possible to reunite families.”
More severe weather
Fire and Emergency New Zealand confirmed this morning that a partial slip occurred in the northern part of the search area around 6 pm last night.
In a statement, Fenz mentioned that their staff have not searched that area since for safety reasons, but the situation is being continuously reassessed.
The forecast for more heavy rain today may pose challenges for ongoing search efforts.
A Fenz specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team worked throughout the night on Friday and continued to carefully clear debris. Heavy machinery is available on-site to aid in the process.
There are currently 25 USAR personnel and 10 Fire and Emergency personnel on-site, closely collaborating with the police.
More heavy rain is expected today, “which may create obstacles for our operations,” Fenz stated. “USAR teams will be advised by experts on when to withdraw from the slip area for safety reasons, and when it is safe to resume. We urge the public to avoid the Mount area to allow emergency services to work safely.”
The National Emergency Management Agency cautioned that the threat to life from this week’s heavy rainfall is not yet over.
Director of Civil Defence John Price informed RNZ’s Summer Weekends programme today that the risk remains significant.
“The land in most affected areas is still saturated.
Landslide in Tauranga: A Tragic Event
The land in Tauranga acts like a sponge, absorbing all the water that falls from the sky. Unfortunately, this land is still full, making it potentially unstable. People are advised to stay away from the affected areas to avoid any danger.
High Risk of Landslides
According to Fenz, there is still a high risk of further landslides in the weather-affected areas. Anyone in a life-threatening situation should call 111 for immediate assistance.
Independent Review Ordered
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale has ordered an independent review into all aspects leading up to the landslide. The focus is on the rescue response to ensure the safety of the community.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed deep grief over the tragedy and spent time with the families of the missing individuals. The community has come together to support each other during this difficult time.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly in the complex and high-risk environment to find the missing individuals. A cordon is in place in Mount Maunganui to ensure safety.
Local resident Robyn Leech described the atmosphere as eerie and sombre, with the area practically deserted except for search and rescue crews.
