Jan23: Several people, including children, are feared missing after a large landslide struck a holiday park at the base of Mount Maunganui in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region on Monday, as extreme weather battered parts of the country’s North Island.
The landslide hit the Beachside Holiday Park, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that rescue teams remain on-site and that efforts to locate those trapped are ongoing despite challenging conditions.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand commander William Pike said rescuers initially heard voices from beneath the debris shortly after the incident, raising hopes of survivors. However, no further sounds have been detected since, and no survivors have been rescued so far, heightening concerns for those still unaccounted for.
The incident occurred amid widespread heavy rainfall and flooding across the North Island overnight. The severe weather has led to power outages affecting thousands of residents and left several communities isolated, particularly along the east coast of the North Island and in Northland. Emergency services have described conditions as volatile, with saturated ground increasing the risk of further slips.
Authorities have mobilised multiple emergency response units, including urban search and rescue teams, while heavy machinery is being used cautiously to avoid triggering additional collapses. Weather conditions have complicated rescue operations, with intermittent rain continuing in parts of the region.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed concern over the situation and urged residents in affected areas to strictly follow safety advisories issued by local authorities. He emphasised that public safety remains the top priority as emergency agencies respond to the unfolding crisis.
Officials have also advised people living near slopes, cliffs and waterways to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen. Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents, and welfare checks are underway in flood-affected areas.
The landslide has once again highlighted New Zealand’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, which scientists say are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Authorities continue to assess damage across the region while focusing on rescue efforts at the holiday park.
Further updates are expected as search operations progress and assessments of missing persons continue.
