Two people are dead and at least six, including children, are missing after landslides hit New Zealand’s idyllic Bay of Plenty yesterday.
Two bodies were found last night after a slip hit Papamoa early on Thursday morning.
They were discovered in a house that had been “extensively damaged” in the landslide.
“Police are working to support their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” a spokesperson said, per Stuff.
About 17km north-east, rescuers worked through the night trying to locate several people who remain unaccounted for after a slip wiped out parts of a popular holiday hotspot.
Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park was also struck by a landslide yesterday morning, which damaged caravans, a toilet block, cars, and tents.
Police established a base at the Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club to work through a register of campers and figure out who was unaccounted for.
Dogs were deployed to search for at least six missing people, including multiple children.
They remain unaccounted for.
An ambulance was seen arriving at the site of the landslide this morning with lights flashing.
A hearse was also sighted leaving the site, according to Stuff.
There are concerns that severe weather could impact the ongoing search for survivors as heavy rain, strong wind and thunderstorms loom.
Heavy rain is expected across parts of New Zealand’s North Island from today until Sunday, with storms predicted for some regions.
Strong winds will also buffet the Bay of Plenty tomorrow.
New Zealand’s Civil Defence has urged residents to stay vigilant, as the weather conditions could contribute to additional landslides.
Papamoa and Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park weren’t the only areas hit with landslides yesterday.
Whangaruru suffered a major slip that has cut off multiple communities from the rest of the island, leaving hundreds stranded amid floods.
Tairawhiti also recorded multiple slips, which are reportedly affecting roads, and at least one smaller slip has hit Auckland.
