Severe Storms Cause Emergencies in New Zealand

Severe weather across New Zealand led to states of emergency in Canterbury’s Selwyn District and Christchurch due to extensive flooding, while Wellington endured its first-ever red wind warning with destructive winds up to 150 km/h. Residents in areas like Selwyn Huts were evacuated as river surges and flooding reached historic levels. In Wellington, power outages, canceled flights, business closures, and school shutdowns were widespread, with MetService warning of life-threatening conditions from flying debris. Ferry sailings between the North and South Islands were halted, causing further disruption to transport and communications. No deaths or serious injuries have been reported so far, but authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage. Local leaders cite climate change as a factor in the increasing frequency and severity of such events.