Six individuals, including teenagers, are still missing after a destructive landslide struck a popular campsite in New Zealand. The incident occurred at Mount Maunganui on Thursday morning, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation to locate those trapped in the debris.
New Zealand authorities have confirmed that six people, including two teenagers, remain unaccounted for, with the youngest being a 15-year-old. Additionally, three missing individuals, believed to be tourists who had left the area before the landslide, are yet to be located. While it is unlikely that they were caught in the landslide, further investigations are underway to confirm their safety.
Emergency crews worked tirelessly throughout the day to sift through the wreckage caused by heavy rainfall, affecting the area approximately 240 kilometers southeast of Auckland. The police expressed their support for the families of the missing individuals and thanked the community for their solidarity during this difficult time.
Reports from local media described the harrowing scene as cries for help emerged from the rubble, engulfing tents, campervans, and other structures. Witnesses recounted the terrifying sound of the hillside collapsing, with people trapped in the chaos. The region experienced an unprecedented amount of rainfall, equivalent to two-and-a-half months’ worth, within just a 12-hour period.