In Photos | A race against nature after landslide strikes campsite in New Zealand
Heavy rains triggered massive landslides in New Zealand’s North Island. So far, two people have been killed, while six others are missing. Authorities are facing huge challenges as they continue to undertake search and rescue operations. Here’s a look at the devastating images
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A landslide hit the Bay of Plenty region, south-east of Auckland. While two people have died, six others are missing. AFP
The landslide hit campervans and a shower block at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park at 9:30 am on Thursday (January 22), following record-breaking rains in the North Island. AFP
Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the survivors. Forty firefighters and sniffer dogs have been deployed to look for the missing people. A helicopter flies over a campsite during rescue operations in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Reuters
New Zealand Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that a young girl was among the missing people. In this image, damaged caravans and vehicles remain stuck amid rubble, as emergency services personnel work at the site of a landslide. Reuters
Some of the key challenges are road access to isolated communities, continued risks of slips and flooding. In this image, a digger at the scene of the landslide can be seen removing the mud. Reuters
New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, travelled by helicopter from Auckland to assess damage following the landslide that claimed two lives. Reuters
A resident from Tairua helps clean up a landslip following the storm that struck New Zealand’s North Island. Reuters
Cyclists stop to look at a landslide while a search is underway by local emergency services for missing people at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga. AFP
New Zealand's meteorological service has predicted thunderstorms and strong winds in the region over the weekend. This image shows the aftermath of a landslide at Mount Hot Pools in Mount Maunganui. AFP