Following a destructive landslide at a popular campsite in New Zealand, six individuals, including teenagers, are still missing and unaccounted for.
Emergency response teams quickly mobilized to Mount Maunganui after the land gave way on January 22. A large-scale search operation was launched to find the missing individuals believed to be trapped in the debris.
New Zealand authorities have officially stated that six people, including two teenagers, are yet to be found. The youngest among the missing is a 15-year-old.
Additionally, it is suspected that three of the missing persons are tourists who had left the area before the landslide occurred. The police mentioned that they are still trying to determine the whereabouts of these individuals and do not believe they were caught in the landslide.
Rescue efforts continued throughout Thursday as emergency services scoured through the wreckage caused by severe rainfall, impacting the renowned tourist spot situated about 240 kilometers southeast of Auckland.
The police have been providing support to the families of the missing individuals and have acknowledged the immense support from the community in this challenging time.
The region experienced an unprecedented amount of rainfall, with over two months’ worth of rain falling within just 12 hours, leading to the devastating landslide.
Local witnesses reported hearing cries from under the debris as the landslide engulfed tents, campervans, and facilities. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene of the hillside collapsing before their eyes.
Despite the tragic event, authorities are actively assisting the affected communities as they deal with the aftermath of the natural disaster.