Severe Weather Impacts New Zealand: ⁢Landslides, Flooding, and Power outages

Published: 2026/01/21 18:43:42

New Zealand is currently grappling with severe weather⁤ conditions, including landslides, widespread flooding, and meaningful power outages.The most affected regions are the Bay of Plenty and the East Cape, with emergency services working to assist those impacted. This article provides the latest updates on the situation as of January 21, 2026.

Landslide in Papamoa

A serious landslide occurred in Welcome Bay, Papamoa, resulting⁣ in one person sustaining serious injuries. emergency services are also searching for two individuals who remain unaccounted for in the area. Authorities are urging residents in landslide-prone areas to exercise extreme caution and follow evacuation orders if issued.

Flooding and Power Outages on the East Cape

Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding in Te Araroa on the East Cape. Police are deploying helicopters to evacuate individuals ⁢who are trapped on rooftops due to rising floodwaters.⁤ as of Thursday morning, approximately 10,000 people ⁣across the Bay of Plenty region are without‍ power,⁤ a direct result of the intense weather system. ⁣Power companies are working ⁣to⁤ restore electricity, but full restoration may take ⁤time depending on the extent of the damage.

Ongoing Monitoring and safety Advice

New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to⁣ the public. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, including local news and the NEMA website NEMA Website. Key safety ⁢recommendations include:

• Avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
• Do not‍ drive through floodwaters.
• Be ⁢aware of the risk of landslides, especially in hilly areas.
• Check on neighbors and vulnerable individuals.
• Follow‍ instructions from emergency ⁤services.

Stay Updated

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