Emergency crews in New Zealand are intensifying their search for victims following a devastating landslide that struck a campground at Mount Maunganui on the North Island’s east coast. The incident occurred at approximately 09:30 on Thursday, March 14, 2024, as heavy rainfall triggered the landslide, burying campers and their vehicles under soil and rubble.
Authorities have reported that as many as nine individuals, including children, remain unaccounted for. Families enjoying the summer school holiday were among those affected by the sudden disaster. Images from the scene show crushed recreational vehicles and significant damage to the campground infrastructure.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the affected areas on Friday, assessing the impact of the flooding and landslides that have plagued the region. Local Mayor Mahe Drysdale spoke to Radio New Zealand, expressing the emotional toll on families waiting for news of their loved ones. “That’s really hard, and we’re here with the families. As you can imagine, just that uncertainty of where they are and when we might have a result is pretty hard,” he stated.
The search and rescue operations have continued through the night, but officials have reported no progress in locating the missing individuals. The situation remains precarious as the area around the campground is deemed unstable, complicating rescue efforts. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized the challenging environment, noting that police are investigating whether some campers may have left the site prior to the landslide without notifying authorities.
The recent heavy rainfall has caused widespread destruction along the North Island’s east coast, leading to additional tragedies. A separate landslide in the neighbouring town of Papamoa resulted in two fatalities, while a man was swept away with his vehicle north of Auckland earlier in the week.
In response to the crisis, roads in several of the worst-hit areas remain closed, rendering access to certain towns difficult. The civil defence organization in Tairawhiti District warned residents through social media about the dangers of traversing unstable landslides to collect essential supplies from welfare hubs, urging caution due to fears of further landslides.
As the search efforts continue, the community’s resilience is being tested. Families are left anxiously awaiting updates, while emergency services strive to navigate the difficult conditions to find those still missing. The combination of heavy rains and landslides has underscored the urgent need for safety measures and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
