On January 22, New Zealand rescue forces are racing against time to search for victims, including a child, after a horrific landslide at a campsite on the North Island.
Emergency Manager Mark Mitchell described the situation on the east coast as "devastated like a war zone". Helicopters were mobilized to rescue families who had to climb roofs to avoid floods, while a state of emergency was declared in 5 areas due to prolonged heavy rain.
The landslide occurred on the morning of January 22 at the famous Mount Maunganui campsite. Mr. Mitchell confirmed that a baby girl was among those whose whereabouts were unknown. "This is a very sensitive and difficult situation. Everyone is trying their best to get the best results," he said.
William Pike, spokesman for the Fire and Rescue Agency, said that the first people to approach the scene heard cries for help echoing from under the rubble. Professional firefighters upon arrival also confirmed hearing similar sounds.
Witnesses described the loud noise as "snoring" before the entire hillside collapsed, overturning many picnic cars and knocking down trees.
Fisherman Alister McHardy, who was nearby, recounted: "People shouted and ran away in disarray. I saw someone being pushed down by soil and rocks and there are still people trapped inside.
Before the disaster occurred at 9:30 am, the nearby city of Tauranga suffered heavy rainfall, a record with 295mm in just 30 hours. This area is in the peak summer tourist season, attracting tens of thousands of tourists to vacation.
Sonny Worrall, an Australian tourist, escaped death by a hair's breadth while swimming in a nearby swimming pool.
I heard the rumbling of landslides behind, trees with broken teeth. A caravan truck rushed forward and almost hit me. I had to dive quickly into the pool to avoid it. That was the scariest moment of my life," he recalled in shock.
In Papamoa, another landslide at 4 am on the same day also left 2 people missing and 1 person seriously injured. Police are still searching for a man swept away by water in Warkworth on January 21.
Images from the scene show many houses deeply flooded with mud and wooden waste. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked the rescue forces and pledged maximum support for the people.
The National Emergency Management Agency warns that heavy rain will continue. The soil is currently saturated with water, causing the risk of landslides, flash floods and falling trees to remain very high.
