A student is believed to have been swept away by floodwaters at Abbey Caves in Whangārei as torrential rain pummels New Zealand’s North Island.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has declared a State of Local Emergency for Auckland from Sydney as major roads close and homes are inundated.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand say crews have responded to 88 calls for help stretching from Northland and Auckland between 9am and noon.
New Zealand’s Met Service said the wet weather is being caused by a large rainband, generating intense storms and showers. Rain rates of 40-50mm per hour have been observed from Orewa to Albany.
“This morning, at my request, the Deputy Mayor and I received an urgent phone briefing from Auckland Emergency Management Civil Defence,” Brown said, issuing the state of emergency.
“After carefully considering the advice of the Duty Controller I have decided to declare a precautionary State of Local Emergency. The decision is based on the lessons we learnt from the Anniversary Auckland floods.
“While I am assured that emergency services are coping with the volume of call outs at the moment, and that they do not require emergency powers, I consider it is necessary to communicate to the public that this is something to take seriously.”
Brown said he has delegated his responsibilities and powers to Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson as he’s “in Sydney on Council business”.
At approximately 12pm, with approval of the Mayor, Auckland Emergency Management issued a region-wide emergency mobile alert.
“I am urging Aucklanders to remain calm but be vigilant. Please stay away from floodwaters and open drains. It is important that you follow the official advice of Auckland Emergency Management and Auckland Transport,” Brown said.
Most of the callouts reported to Fire and Emergency New Zealand have been from Auckland, Brad Mosby, on-call Commander for Tāmaki Makaurau, said.
Mosby said these call-outs mostly include flooding entering buildings.
“However, some slips and fallen trees have been recorded with one tree catching fire due to lightning.”
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Authorities urge the public to pay close attention to weather forecasts and emergency management updates given the current weather conditions across the district.
Desperate searching for missing student
It comes as a desperate search unfolds for a missing Year 11 student.
Stuff understands the unaccounted for Year 11 Whangārei Boys High School student and at least 14 of his classmates were on an outdoor education school trip at the caves, on Abbey Caves Rd, on Tuesday.
It was reported they were in difficulty about 10.35am, Northland district commander Superintendent Tony Hill said.
“A group of people have since made it out safely, however, one student is currently unaccounted for. We have Police Search and Rescue and USAR crews responding to the area.
“The incident is still very much developing and we will provide further updates as they become available.”
Hato Hone St John have confirmed services are at the scene.
Whangārei Boys High School would not comment, nor would the school’s principal.
According to the Whangārei District Council website, the Abbey Caves are prone to flash flooding. It suggests people check the weather forecast before visiting.
Whangārei District Council, who manage Abbey Caves also would not comment at this stage.
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This article was originally published on Stuff and has been reproduced with permission.
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