New Zealand's North Island Braces for Severe Weather Onslaught

New Zealand faces a severe weather crisis as its North Island braces for intensifying heavy rain and gales. Authorities have linked the death of one individual to the ongoing floods, leading to power outages, road collapses, and home evacuations across affected areas.

State of emergency has been declared for Otorohanga district as heavy rains are expected to hit hardest on late Sunday, softening conditions by Monday. The weather, which started worsening on Friday, has wreaked havoc, prompting geotechnical assessments of infrastructure safety in the region.

In addition to the tragic loss of life over the weekend, around 80 people have been evacuated, and thousands are still without power. Social media portrays the devastating scenes of submerged neighbourhoods and demolished roads once floodwaters subsided.