Monitoring Desk
AUCKLAND: New Zealand’s largest city Auckland has declared a state of emergency after heavy rain prompted widespread flooding and evacuation efforts.
On Friday, the downpour in Auckland city shifted houses, stalled traffic, and cut electricity to businesses and homes. The New Zealand Herald reported on Friday that a body had been found in Wairau Valley on the north shore of Auckland.
An Elton John concert, estimated to be attended by 40,000 fans, was cancelled minutes before it started due to severe flooding. Online footage showed people trapped in waist-deep floodwater and rescuers carrying out evacuations efforts.
Other pictures showed grocery items floating down from several flooded supermarkets in Auckland. “Emergency services and infrastructure alike have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the flooding,” said Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown.
Rescue efforts in Auckland
Local media reported that the fire department had fielded over 1,000 calls for assistance. The Defence Force of New Zealand is also assisting with evacuations.
Flights into Auckland and ferry and rail services within Auckland city have been cancelled or delayed due to the bad weather.
The floods also blocked highways, causing long traffic queues on major roads, with many traffic accidents reported.
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Auckland Emergency Management said on Twitter that “severe weather” was affecting the region, with many areas affected by significant flooding.
The national weather department estimated that 15cm of rain had fallen in the last 11 hours.
The weather department has forecasted heavy rains in several parts of Auckland for at least the next five days.
