Emergency crews in New Zealand are actively searching for missing persons following a devastating landslide that struck a crowded campground on the North Island. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, occurred at Mount Maunganui around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, burying several recreational vehicles and structures under a torrent of soil and rubble while families enjoyed their summer break.
Tragically, two individuals have been confirmed dead as a result of the landslide, including one identified as a Chinese citizen, according to Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong. While no official information has been released regarding the fatalities from New Zealand officials, police have indicated that nine individuals, including children, may still be missing.
Images from the scene reveal the extent of the destruction, with crushed vehicles and buildings evident at the campsite. As search-and-rescue teams continued their operations through the night, Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale expressed the emotional toll on families waiting for news about their loved ones. “It’s really hard,” said Drysdale. “We’re here with the families, and as you can imagine, just that uncertainty of where they are and when we might have a result is pretty hard.”
The area remains unstable, prompting Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell to describe the conditions as challenging for rescue efforts. He added that police are investigating the possibility that some campers may have evacuated without notifying authorities.
New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers conveyed caution regarding the rescue efforts, stressing that the scale of the disaster poses significant risks, which could lead to delays. “It could be days,” Chambers stated, acknowledging the anxiety families feel while they await information about their loved ones.
This landslide comes in the wake of severe weather that has affected much of the North Island’s east coast, causing widespread flooding and additional landslides. In adjacent Papamoa, another landslide claimed two lives, and a man was swept away with his vehicle north of Auckland earlier this week. Roads in several severely impacted areas remain closed, hampering access to some towns and further complicating relief efforts.
Local authorities have urged caution as residents reported walking over landslides to reach welfare stations for food and water. They emphasized the dangers involved and the potential for additional landslides in the area.
As the search continues, hope remains that rescuers will uncover more answers in the days to come, reflecting the resilience and unity of the New Zealand community during this challenging time.