Wellington Declares State of Emergency After Record Rainfall Triggers Flooding and Landslides
MetService issues highest red warning as 77mm of rain falls in under an hour, causing flash floods and evacuations
Quick Look
- A state of emergency was declared for Wellington, New Zealand, after record-breaking rainfall of 77mm in less than one hour triggered flash flooding, landslides and road closures.
- MetService issued its highest red rain warning, warning of threat to life from dangerous river conditions.
- Emergency services responded to 150 calls overnight, with evacuations underway and a search for a missing resident in the suburb of Karori.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, experienced its heaviest rainfall on record, with 77mm falling in less than one hour. The extreme weather event overwhelmed drainage systems and triggered multiple hazardous conditions across the city.
A state of emergency was declared for the region on Monday afternoon, while weather forecaster MetService upgraded its heavy rain warning to red, the highest level, which indicates a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. Mayor Andrew Little told state-owned Radio New Zealand that Wellington had received 77mm (three inches) of rain in less than an hour, its heaviest rainfall on record. The deluge caused flash flooding, road closures and landslides in the city's central business district and southern suburbs. Media reported people had to escape flooded homes during the night and at least one landslide hit a home. A number of streets in the city were evacuated and the Fire and Emergency service said they responded to 150 calls for help overnight. A search was under way for a man living at a property that was flooded in the suburb of Karori, police said in a statement.
Open Questions
- What is the current condition of the missing man in Karori?
- What is the total damage estimate from the flooding?
- How long will the red rain warning remain in effect?
