Flood in the middle of summer: A state of emergency was declared in Auckland at the weekend after New Zealand’s largest city faced its wettest day in history, causing severe flooding and landslides that left at least three people dead.
According to the forecast service, Friday was Auckland’s wettest day on record, with 249mm in the airport area in 24 hours, compared to the previous record of 161.8mm set in 1985. In total, 75% of the normal amount fell of summer rains in just 15 hours.
Also, this is the rainiest January and the rainiest month ever, with more than 32 cm since the beginning of the month. The rains continued yesterday and this morning as well, although with less intensity.
The heavy flood caused flooding throughout the city, including at the international airport which was closed for activity, in addition to landslides and displaced houses. So far, at least three deaths have been reported and one more is missing. The rescue forces received thousands of emergency calls and worked to rescue trapped people. Sir Elton John’s show, which was supposed to take place on Friday night, was canceled at the last minute when many of the 40,000 spectators had already arrived at the stadium.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who took office only last Wednesday, yesterday surveyed the damage in a flight over the city, and promised that the government would provide all the necessary assistance.