New Zealand declares emergency in Wellington as record rainfall triggers flash floods
Wellington had received 77mm of rain in less than an hour, its heaviest rainfall on record
A state of emergency was declared for the region on Monday afternoon, while weather forecaster MetService upgraded its heavy rain warning to red, the highest level, which indicates a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips.
Mayor Andrew Little told state-owned Radio New Zealand that Wellington had received 77mm (three inches) of rain in less than an hour, its heaviest rainfall on record.
The deluge caused flash flooding, road closures and landslides in the city’s central business district and southern suburbs.
Media reported people had to escape flooded homes during the night and at least one landslide hit a home. A number of streets in the city were evacuated and the Fire and Emergency service said they responded to 150 calls for help overnight.
A search was under way for a man living at a property that was flooded in the suburb of Karori, police said in a statement.