Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, has declared a state of emergency following record rainfall that has caused widespread flooding and evacuations. The unprecedented downpour on Friday shifted houses, stalled traffic and cut power to homes and businesses.
According to the national forecaster, the city received 75% of its usual summer rainfall in just 15 hours, leading to unimaginable devastation. “The impacts of the last 24 hours will be felt by many in Auckland for a long time,” said the forecaster.
Sadly, the death toll has risen as a body was found in Wairau Valley on Auckland’s North Shore. The mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, expressed his condolences and said he is “deeply saddened” by the news. The police have not yet confirmed whether the death is linked to the flooding.
The heavy rains have overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure and emergency services. The Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that they have been dealing with approximately 1,500 calls for assistance. The New Zealand Defence Force has been called in to assist with evacuations and emergency shelters have been set up across the city.
The scenes captured by @MonteChristoNZ on social media are nothing short of unbelievable, as the city struggles to come to terms with the scale of the disaster. The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with those affected by the flooding, as they begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.
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