DEADLY FLOODING hits A uckland

NEW ZEALAND IS COUNTING THE COST OF A DEVASTATING DELUGE

- Courtney Greatrex

Unprecedented rainfall in New Zealand’s North Island has caused devastating flooding, destroyed hundreds of homes, and claimed the lives of several people. 

The deluge, which began on Friday January 27, was Auckland’s wettest day on record. By 1am the following day, Auckland Airport had already recorded 249mm of rain, beating the 1985 record of 161.8mm. The region received 40 per cent of the rainfall they would normally expect to receive in an entire year.

With flights grounded and one train derailing due to the deadly conditions, Auckland’s mayor, Wayne Brown, had no choice but to declare a state of emergency.

At press time, four men had perished: 58-year-old retired teacher Dave Young, Daniel Mark Miller, 34, Daniel Newth, 25, and Dave Lennard, who was in his 80’s. Speaking at a media conference, Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni described their deaths as “horrific”.

“I think it’s been a traumatic experience ... that’s the most horrific part of it, that we’ve lost lives.”