Landslide Devastates New Zealand Campsite, Multiple Children Reported Missing
A powerful landslide, triggered by unprecedented rainfall, has struck a popular campground in Mount Maunganui on New Zealand's North Island, resulting in several people, including children, being reported missing and sparking an urgent rescue mission. The catastrophic event unfolded early on Thursday morning at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, where heavy rain saturated the ground, causing a hillside to collapse onto tents, campervans, and a shower-toilet block at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts Intensify
Emergency services, including Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), police, and specialist search teams, are currently working tirelessly to locate anyone still trapped beneath the debris. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that a young girl is among those unaccounted for, and that other children may also be missing. He described the situation as "heartbreaking" for families anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones.
Police District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson provided an update, stating that the number of missing individuals is in the 'single figures'. He added that it is 'possible we will find someone alive', offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. The rescue operation involves multiple agencies coordinating efforts to search the affected area, with teams using specialized equipment to navigate the unstable terrain.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaotic Scene
Mark Tangney, one of the first rescuers on the scene, recounted hearing screams and seeing holidaymakers fleeing the campground in panic. "There were six or eight other guys there on the roof of the toilet block with tools just trying to take the roof off because we could hear people screaming 'help us, help us, get us out of here'," Mr. Tangney told the New Zealand Herald. He described the frantic efforts to save those trapped, noting, "We went hard for about half an hour and after 15 minutes, the people that were trapped, we couldn't hear them anymore."
The landslide occurred after record-breaking rainfall in the region, which experts attribute to extreme weather patterns. Authorities have warned residents and tourists to avoid the area due to ongoing risks of further landslides. The Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, known for its scenic location and family-friendly amenities, has been temporarily closed as investigations continue into the cause and impact of the disaster.
Local communities have rallied to support affected families, with volunteers providing food, shelter, and emotional assistance. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at campgrounds in prone areas, prompting calls for stricter regulations and better emergency preparedness. As rescue teams work against time, the focus remains on locating the missing and providing aid to those impacted by this tragic event.
