Record-Breaking Rainfall Hit New Zealand’s Capital And The Flooding Looks Unreal
This is one of the heaviest rainfalls on record for the city.
New Zealand’s capital Wellington has declared a state of emergency after record-breaking rainfall hit the city, causing flash flooding and landslides, forcing people to evacuate their homes and killing one man.
Heavy rain started on Monday, April 20, with Wellington, located in the southern part of the North Island, receiving 76 mm (three inches) of rain in less than an hour, sparking landslides and flash floods.
This is one of the heaviest rainfalls on record for the city.
Footage showed water pouring into homes and vehicles submerged in water, with some houses suffering massive damage from landslides.
More than 100 schools closed in Wellington and surrounding areas, and residents in low‑lying and flood‑prone zones were urged or ordered to evacuate.
Authorities have set up evacuation centers for the region’s 521,000 residents, according to Reuters.
On Wednesday, April 22, authorities found the body of a 60-year-old man who had been missing since floods tore his home apart on Monday.
Weather warnings have eased in some parts of the North Island, but New Zealand authorities have asked residents to remain vigilant and evacuate if they feel unsafe.
"While the heaviest rain has passed, hazards remain. Please stay alert for slips and landslides, these can occur quickly and without warning, even after the rain has eased," Wellington authorities said, according to Stuff.
This is the second major weather disaster to hit New Zealand's North Island in less than two weeks.
On April 12, Cyclone Vaianu crossed the North Island, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds and coastal flooding.
Extreme weather events have become increasingly frequent in New Zealand, with storms hitting the country nearly every single week, according to Stuff.
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