Heavy rains turned a festive holiday spot into a nightmare in New Zealand when a massive landslide buried parts of Beachside Holiday Park near Mount Maunganui. Several visitors, including young children on vacation, remain unaccounted for after the Thursday morning disaster in Bay of Plenty.
The collapse occurred shortly after 9:30 AM, as saturated soil from Tauranga’s extreme 270mm rainfall over 24 hours cascaded down, smashing into vehicles, tents, and amenities. Initial rescue efforts picked up faint calls from under the mound, but silence has since prevailed, per Fire and Emergency commander William Paike.
Minister Mark Mitchell labeled the scene a catastrophe, with non-stop search and recovery missions underway. Evacuations were immediate, scattering terrified families as emergency services secured the zone and checked for stragglers.
North Island’s ordeal extends beyond this slide: floods have cut power to thousands, severed communications in coastal areas, and submerged roads. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon posted online, imploring compliance with safety directives while affirming national support.
This week’s deluge in Mount Maunganui shattered records, dumping two months’ rain in half a day. Mayor Mahé Drysdale, voice heavy with sorrow, vowed focus on welfare and protection. The event highlights growing risks from erratic weather patterns.
Rescue dogs and heavy machinery now comb the site, but the human toll weighs heavy. Families await news, clinging to hope amid mounting dread. New Zealand’s response showcases resilience, yet questions linger on prevention in rain-soaked terrains.