New Zealand is in mourning following devastating landslides in the North Island that have killed at least two people and left several, including children, missing. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the tragedy as “profound” and said the nation was “heavy with grief.”
The first landslide struck a home in Welcome Bay, near Tauranga, early Thursday, destroying the property and killing two residents. Their bodies were recovered later in the evening, according to police reports. A second, larger landslide hit the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, burying caravans, tents, vehicles, and facilities under mud and debris. Emergency crews, including sniffer dogs, heavy machinery, and helicopters, have been working through the night to search for survivors, though authorities warn that unstable ground has made rescue operations extremely dangerous. Officials confirmed that there are currently no signs of life in the main landslide zone, and the number of people unaccounted for remains uncertain, with reports suggesting several children may still be missing.
These disasters follow days of unusually heavy rainfall across the east of the North Island, which has caused flooding, power outages, road closures, and evacuations. As the storm system moves east, some weather warnings have been lifted, but conditions remain hazardous in affected areas. Authorities have urged the public to avoid disaster zones to allow rescue teams unhindered access and emphasized the importance of following safety guidance.
Prime Minister Luxon expressed his sorrow and extended condolences to the families affected, praising the courage and dedication of emergency responders, volunteers, and Defence Force personnel assisting in search and relief operations. “These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief,” he said, reflecting the emotional impact of the disaster on the nation. Eyewitnesses described chaotic and terrifying scenes as debris thundered toward people at the holiday park, with individuals scrambling to safety.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with officials stressing that the safety of responders and survivors remains the top priority. Families of the missing are receiving support from emergency services and community organizations. Experts note that New Zealand’s rugged terrain and heavy rainfall make landslides a recurring risk, and climate scientists warn that extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, are likely to become more frequent, posing continued challenges for disaster preparedness.
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