Record-Breaking Rainstorms and Flooding: New Zealand’s Capital Declares State of Emergency | WPN World People News

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, has been hit by a severe disaster, with authorities officially declaring a state of emergency. After Cyclone Vayanu battered the North Island last week, the area was unexpectedly struck by torrential rain overnight during the weekend, triggering floods and landslides. Residents in multiple areas were forced to evacuate urgently. Officials have warned that heavy rainfall will continue for approximately the next 36 hours, leading to widespread flight cancellations and school closures.

According to a BBC report, Wellington Mayor Andrew Little stated that on the 20th, rainfall reached a record 77 millimeters within just one hour. Footage shared online by residents shows streets turned into rivers, vehicles submerged, trees uprooted, and even homes destroyed by landslides. The situation is extremely severe and prompted the government to declare a state of emergency.

The report further noted that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and intense. The North Island had only just been hit by a cyclone, followed by a powerful storm on Friday, and then heavy rain over the weekend—disasters arriving one after another. New Zealand’s Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, warned that “even worse weather” could occur later that night.

Mitchell also urged residents via social media to stay alert. Those in the Wellington region should prepare for disasters in advance, evacuate early if necessary, and stay updated with the latest information. Local emergency management authorities advise minimizing unnecessary travel, and residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas should consider evacuating within the next 24 hours to ensure their safety.