Asia Pacific Daily Wu Sirui
The New Zealand Meteorological Service issued a warning for heavy rainfall and strong winds in the North Island to the whole country, after flooding caused widespread power outages, collapsed roads, and evacuated residents.
Local officials reported that a man died when his vehicle was flooded on the highway on Sunday and his vehicle was submerged. The New Zealand Meteorological Service (MetService) said that the continuing violent storms, dangerous river conditions, severe flooding and landslides brought by the intensifying low pressure system east of the North Island will pose a threat to life.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency for the Waipa and Otorohanga regions on Sunday. This agricultural area is located 180 kilometers south of Auckland, New Zealand's most populous city, and is home to about 10,000 people.
The official website of the Meteorological Bureau stated that the worst weather hit Sunday night local time and may gradually ease on Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued the highest level red rainstorm warning for the Manawatu, Rangitikei and Ruapehu areas north of Fielding and east of National Highway 1; warnings and warnings have been issued simultaneously in many places in the eastern and southern parts of the North Island and the northern tip of the South Island.
All flights in Wellington have been canceled due to strong winds. A 7-metre wave warning has been issued from Cape Point to Tulakere Point until noon on Monday. Currently, the five districts of Manawatu, Rangitikei, Tararua, Waipa and Otorohanga in the North Island have entered a state of emergency. The Otorohanga District Government said that geological technicians were working all night to investigate landslides and road structural safety; the Manawatu District Government called on the public to respond seriously, keep their devices fully charged, and prepare radios to receive the latest news.
According to data from the power company Powerco, more than 4,291 residents in the North Island are still without power. The floods had previously caused about 80 people to evacuate to the emergency center. Pictures on social platforms showed that large areas of suburban communities were flooded, and some road sections collapsed after the floods receded.
In recent years, due to human-induced climate collapse, extreme rainfall events have become more frequent and intensified in most parts of the world, especially in Europe, most of Asia, central and eastern North America, and parts of South America, Africa, and Australia. This is because warmer air can hold more water vapor. Floods occur frequently and intensify in these areas. In addition to climate change, human factors such as the construction of flood control facilities and land use also have an impact.
In January this year, a landslide occurred on Mount Maunganui on the east coast of the North Island due to heavy rains. It was during the summer vacation, and a large number of families gathered in the area for camping. The mudslide dumped soil and debris, killing six people.
