Rescue Efforts Ongoing: Many Believed Missing in Landslide at New Zealand Campsite; Minister Describes Scene as ‘War Zone’

Are you from India? 🇮🇳

Tragic Landslide Hits New Zealand Campsite

Several individuals, including a young girl, are missing following a devastating landslide at a popular camping site at the base of Mauao, Mount Maunganui, in New Zealand’s North Island on Thursday morning. This incident has prompted a significant emergency response.

Details of the Incident

The landslide occurred around 9:30 AM (local time) at the Beachside Holiday Park, approximately 230 km southeast of Auckland. It swept through campervans, cars, tents, and an ablution block. Emergency services deployed sniffer dogs to assist in searching for anyone trapped under the debris, as reported by ABC News.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Fire and emergency commander William Pike stated that first responders heard voices from beneath the rubble upon arrival, but there have been no further sounds since then. “Nobody has been rescued yet,” he confirmed, emphasizing that crews would continue their search despite difficult conditions.

Missing Individuals and Current Status

Police district commander assistant commissioner Tim Anderson has indicated that the number of missing individuals is still unclear but is believed to be in single figures. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that a young girl is among those unaccounted for, with reports suggesting that other children may also be missing.

Impact of Severe Weather Conditions

Minister Mitchell described parts of the east coast as looking like “a war zone.” Helicopters have been deployed to rescue families sheltering on rooftops due to flooding, and local states of emergency have been declared in five regions across Northland and East Cape due to record-breaking torrential rain, as reported by The Guardian.

Response Efforts Underway

Addressing the media on Thursday afternoon, Mitchell stated that the operation remains focused on rescue efforts. “We’re still in the response phase, with a lot of ongoing activity to assess the damage,” he noted. He added that multiple slips and damaged infrastructure are complicating operations, with efforts to restore power considered a high priority.

Safety Concerns and Future Assessment

Mitchell indicated that geoscientists would conduct a thorough assessment before the area is reopened to the public due to ongoing safety concerns about unstable ground.

Challenges in Evacuation and Accountability

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale described the situation as evolving, highlighting difficulties in accounting for all individuals at the campsite. “We’re working through the lists of those who are checked in, but we don’t know the exact number,” he said. Some campers may have left without formally checking out, further complicating the efforts to confirm who is missing.

On-the-Ground Accounts

Local resident Robyn reported witnessing emergency crews digging through mud for about an hour. While ambulances left the scene empty, police remained on site. Witness Nix Jaques recounted hearing a loud noise just before the hillside collapsed, witnessing the devastating impact on structures, including an ablution block and a campervan.

Emergency Services Response

St John Ambulance has declared a major incident, prompting a response from police, firefighters, and paramedics. Fire and Emergency shift manager Paul Radden noted that approximately 40 firefighters, including an urban search and rescue team, have been deployed to the site.

Evacuation and Public Safety Measures

The Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club has been established as a triage and evacuation center. The remainder of the holiday park has been evacuated, and authorities are urging the public to stay away to ensure clear access for rescue teams.

Are you from USA? 🇺🇸

Limited Time Holiday Offers