Auckland’s airport was closed and residents evacuated after record rains caused flash floods, killing three and leaving one missing. The metropolis of 1.6 million people was under a state of emergency on Saturday following Friday’s heavy rains and flooding, which meteorological services called Auckland’s wettest day ever. Some areas received more than 150mm (6 inches) of rain in three hours, which is the average summer rainfall.
Highways blocked and residences flooded. Flooded areas of Auckland Airport stranded hundreds overnight. Police recovered two bodies in flooded culverts and car parks. One person was lost after being washed away by floods, while another was missing following a Remuera house landslide. The national weather forecaster said Sunday’s rain was “likely to be severe and wide-reaching due of the saturated ground” after Saturday’s heavy rain. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said, “Our goal is to ensuring that Aucklanders are safe, sheltered, and have access to key services.” He advised residents to stay indoors during a major cleaning. “This is unusual in recent memory,” Hipkins added. Air New Zealand resumed domestic flights in and out of Auckland on Saturday afternoon but was unsure when international flights will restart. The airline’s chief operational integrity and safety officer, David Morgan, said the floods had a major impact on Auckland operations. “We’re getting consumers to their destinations and our personnel and planes back. It may take several days to restore order.” After hundreds spent the night at the terminal, Auckland Airport tweeted that guests may depart early on Saturday. “It’s been a long and stressful night at Auckland Airport, we appreciate everyone for continuing patience,” the airport stated. The airport indicated that it cannot return checked bags owing to prior flooding in the baggage hall. “Your airline will return it later.”
International departures from Auckland were not scheduled to begin until early Sunday morning, according to Stuff. The storm also cancelled a Friday night Elton John concert. John also cancelled his Saturday night stadium event. At Mt Smart Stadium concerts, 40,000 people were anticipated. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown denied that his administration failed to explain the severity of the issue and delayed declaring an emergency until 9:30pm (08:00 GMT) on Friday. Experts decided when to declare an emergency. Brown promised to evaluate everything.
