STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED AS CAPITAL ENGULFS FLOODWATERS
Wellington, New Zealand's capital, is currently under a state of emergency due to severe flooding and landslides, triggered by torrential rainfall. The declaration, made on Monday, supports emergency response efforts tackling the ongoing severe weather, which has resulted in significant infrastructure impacts and a threat to life. Authorities have issued red heavy rain warnings for Wellington and Wairarapa, anticipating dangerous river conditions, extensive flooding, and further slips.
Emergency services have been overwhelmed, responding to over 150 weather-related callouts across the capital. Reports indicate that many of these involved flooded homes requiring urgent assistance. The city experienced an extraordinary downpour, with some areas receiving 77mm of rain in under an hour, shattering previous records. This deluge has led to widespread flash floods, submerging streets and properties, and leaving vehicles partially underwater.
Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to seek alternative accommodation for the next 24 hours. While no mandatory evacuations have been ordered, authorities stress the importance of self-evacuation for safety. The Wellington City Mission has opened its doors to provide shelter for those in need.
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AFTERMATH AND ONGOING THREATS
A man, identified as Philip Sutton, in his 60s from the suburb of Karori, is currently unaccounted for following an incident where floodwaters and debris struck his home. Police are conducting a search for him. This series of flash floods occurs as some areas of the lower North Island are still recovering from similar events on Sunday, April 19. The region remains under the high-risk red heavy rain warning until Tuesday night, April 21.
Several schools have closed their campuses as a precautionary measure. Wellington Airport has experienced flight cancellations. The Meteorological Service (Metservice) has warned that the forecast rain continues to pose a threat to life, particularly from dangerous river conditions and significant slips. Experts caution against entering floodwaters due to the inherent dangers.
The broader North Island has also been affected by the adverse weather. The Manawatū-Whanganui region experienced localized states of emergency declared for the Whanganui District and Ōhura ward following overnight flooding, slips, evacuations, and highway closures. Meteorologists predict the severe weather is likely to persist until Tuesday night, with authorities warning the public to "prepare for the worst."
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