Multiple missing after landslide at New Zealand campsite
Multiple people, including children, are reported missing following a significant landslide that struck a campsite in Mount Maunganui, a well-known tourist destination on New Zealand’s northern coast, reports BritPanorama.
Rescue teams have been dispatched to the area, but no one has yet been rescued from under the debris. Initial reports indicated that individuals could be heard calling out after the site was partially buried.
A secondary land movement temporarily halted rescue efforts, and no further voices have been detected since the landslide. NZ Police Minister Mark Mitchell described the situation as “heartbreaking,” particularly for the families affected, noting that “young people” are among those unaccounted for.
Witnesses state they observed frantic attempts to dig through the mud, with reports of stretchers arriving at the scene but leaving empty. Local resident Robyn noted seeing individuals digging for about an hour without any signs of recovery. Another observer, Rachel McGarva, described seeing trees shaking and mud sliding toward the campsite pools while recalling a terrifying moment of seeing people trapped in the facilities.
The effort to locate and rescue individuals remains critical, with geologists urgently assessing the safety of the area for rescue operations. Police indicated that the number of missing persons is currently in the “single figures,” and there remains a “possible” chance of finding someone alive.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is “actively monitoring situations across the country,” including the crisis in Mount Maunganui. The region has faced severe weather, triggering widespread evacuations, power outages, and road closures. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell noted the rapid response and preparation of emergency services as essential in mitigating the situation, although alerts have been lifted with the exception of a strong wind warning and heavy rain watch for the Chatham Islands.
As the rescue efforts continue, the task ahead is daunting, underscoring both the unpredictability of nature and the resilience of communities responding to adverse events.
