Wellington [US], January 23: Two people have died and several were missing in New Zealand on Thursday after widespread flooding and landslides hit the country's North Island.
Several people, including children, are unaccounted for after a landslide hit a popular camping ground in Mount Maunganui, near the city of Tauranga.
Police District Commander superintendent Tim Anderson could not give a number of how many people were missing, but it was in "the single figures," he told a press conference.
Fire and Emergency commander William Pike said rescuers could initially hear people caught up in the landslide yelling out for help.
But the threat of a second slip coming down meant rescuers needed to temporarily stand down, and no voices had been heard since.
Anderson said it was still "possible we will find someone alive." Fire and Emergency's specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team was continuing to search for those missing.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said teams were carefully removing layers of debris and heavy machinery was on site to assist.
"This is a complex and high-risk environment, and our teams are working to achieve the best possible outcome while keeping everyone safe. The teams will be operating overnight until the search is complete," she said.
Source: Qatar Tribune
