A devastating landslide in New Zealand has left a trail of tragedy, with two confirmed dead and several others presumed buried. The disaster struck a house and a campground in Welcome Bay, New Zealand's North Island, on Thursday morning, as heavy rain lashed the region. The first landslide hit a house at 4:50 a.m., trapping two people inside. Despite rescue efforts, the bodies of two individuals were recovered hours later. Later that morning, a second landslide occurred at the base of nearby Mount Maunganui, impacting Beachside Holiday Park. Images from the scene show vehicles, travel trailers, and an amenities block crushed by debris. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson confirmed that the number of missing individuals is in the 'single figures'.
The emergency management minister, Mark Mitchell, shared details about the rescue efforts at Mount Maunganui, where dogs were being used to search for human victims. He mentioned a shower block and a combined shower-kitchen block where people were using the facilities when the landslide struck, and efforts are underway to recover them. Further north near Warkworth, a man went missing after floodwaters swept him from a road on Wednesday morning. The New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon, urged residents in affected areas to follow local authorities' safety advice during the extreme weather conditions.
Fire and Emergency NZ commander, William Pike, reported hearing voices from the rubble immediately after the Mount Maunganui landslide, but the initial rescue crew had to withdraw due to potential movement and slip. Mayor Mahe Drysdale explained that the missing individuals included those who had left the campground without notifying authorities. Australian tourist Sonny Worrall recounted his harrowing experience, describing how he heard and saw the landslide while relaxing in a hot pool. He had to jump out of his seat and run for his life, looking back to see the rubble carrying a travel trailer. The landslide was the scariest thing he had ever experienced.
