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A landslide at a campground on New Zealand’s North Island has left six individuals missing, including two teenagers. The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time at the Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui<\/strong>, where families were enjoying their summer vacations when heavy rainfall triggered the disaster, causing soil and debris to fall onto the campsite.
Rescue operations are ongoing, but officials warn that the search for the missing persons may take several days due to unstable conditions at the site. Authorities stress the importance of safety as rescue teams navigate the hazardous environment in their efforts to locate survivors.
Rescue operations and challenges
Emergency services have deployed substantial resources to facilitate the search and rescue at the campground. David Guard, an official with Fire and Emergency NZ, stated that a dedicated team, including police dogs and contractors, is meticulously examining the debris. “We aim to ensure that every inch of soil removed is thoroughly checked,” he added, underscoring the careful nature of the operation.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers acknowledged the challenging conditions, stating, “It could take days to find answers for the families waiting for news of their loved ones.” The urgency of the situation is evident; however, safety remains paramount as rescuers proceed cautiously through the debris.
Identification of missing individuals
Among those unaccounted for is a 15-year-old, prompting police to reach out to three additional individuals who may have connections to the campsite. Initial reports indicated that voices were heard from beneath the rubble, but no further signs of life have been detected since.
Authorities are also investigating whether some campers left the site before the landslide struck, which could affect the total number of missing individuals. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson noted that the missing count is currently in the “single figures” but emphasized the need to verify the whereabouts of those who may not have been present during the disaster.
Government and community response
New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, visited the affected area to meet with families dealing with the aftermath. He expressed sympathy for those impacted, stating, “They are grieving incredibly hard, and I know that New Zealand grieves with them.” Luxon assured that government support would be provided once the extent of the damage is fully assessed.
In a separate but related incident, another landslide in the nearby suburb of Papamoa resulted in two fatalities, including a Chinese citizen. This situation has led to road closures in the hardest-hit areas, isolating several towns. Civil defense officials are advising residents to avoid traversing landslide zones while seeking emergency supplies.
Community safety measures
Local authorities are urging residents to follow safety guidelines amid the extreme weather conditions impacting the North Island. The ongoing rain has raised concerns about additional landslides, prompting warnings against crossing unstable areas. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell has reiterated the necessity for caution as rescue teams work in an increasingly perilous environment.
As search and rescue efforts persist, the community remains united in support of those affected by this tragic event. The resilience of the New Zealand populace is evident as they come together to confront the challenges posed by nature’s unpredictability.