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Landslide kills at least two people Attacks on popular tourist destinations exist New Zealand.
The disaster comes after several days of severe weather, resulting in a large number of rainfall Spanning much of the country’s North Island.
A landslide has struck a holiday campsite at the foot of the extinct volcano Maunganui, a culturally significant sacred site for Maori people.
Also known as Mauao, this small volcano is popular with hikers and families and is famous for its views over the Bay of Plenty.
The town of Mount Maunganui, named after the volcano, is also popular with those seeking thermal baths and the healing properties of natural hot salt water.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the local council has now completely closed Mount Maunganui to the public until further notice.
What happened?
Police said the first landslide hit a house in Welcome Bay at around 4.50am on Thursday (3.50pm GMT on Wednesday). Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said two people escaped but the bodies of two others trapped inside were later recovered.
Hours later, a second landslide struck the beachside holiday park at the foot of Mount Maunganui, crushing vehicles, campervans and an amenity area.
New Zealand Fire and Emergency Services said early searches revealed sounds under the rubble, but rescuers were later forced to evacuate due to unstable ground.
As many as nine people are believed to be missing, local media reported.
Further north, there is a man still missing It was swept away by floods near Warkworth on Wednesday.
Are mountain passes and roads closed?
Tauranga City Council said the mountain and its surrounding areas have been completely closed to the public until further notice due to severe landslides making the area unsafe.
The council said recent bad weather had “significantly compromised” the stability of the mountain, creating an ongoing risk of further slips and falling debris.
The area has been fenced off and security personnel will be stationed during the closure.
In addition to closing Mount Maunganui, the New Zealand Transport Agency has also closed State Highway 2 east due to surface flooding.
All westbound and eastbound traffic will be diverted through Papamoa, causing severe traffic congestion.
People are advised to avoid detours and postpone travel if possible. People in the area are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel.
Bay of Plenty Civil Defense added: “Please remember to use caution if you plan to head outdoors or travel. Slips, fallen trees and hazardous driving conditions are still possible.”
Will there be more severe weather?
New Zealand Meteorological Service It said the weather system causing heavy rain in the North Island this week continues to move eastward.
While all weather warnings have been canceled on the mainland, an orange wind warning is still in effect for the Chatham Islands, with gusts of up to 120km/h expected.
A yellow rain warning has also been issued for the islands, which are located 430 miles east of New Zealand’s South Island.
Has the British government given any advice?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any travel advice regarding the Mount Maunganui landslides.
Its general advice does state that if a natural disaster occurs in New Zealand, you should follow local authority and government advice. National Emergency Management Agency.
Can I cancel my holiday?
If you have booked accommodation near Mount Maunganui it is recommended that you contact the operator directly for the latest advice.
The beachside holiday park is currently closed and staff say they will contact guests as soon as possible.
Package holidays across the country are operating as usual. If you have an upcoming trip booked and want to postpone, please contact your travel agent or holiday provider; they may be able to offer some flexibility.
However, if not, there is currently no reason for travelers to expect a refund when canceling, or to claim a refund through travel insurance, as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not yet issued blanket advice to New Zealand to “avoid all non-essential travel”.
If the FCDO advice changes to discourage all travel, you can cancel your package holiday and receive a full refund without penalty. If you travel against FCDO advice, your travel insurance may become invalid.
Follow the live broadcast: Mount Maunganui’s latest landslide – race to rescue survivors after deadly flooding hits popular campgrounds and homes