New Zealand announces $596,000 in additional flood support as clean-up begins
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Auckland and much of New Zealand’s upper North Island have been hit by record rainfall in the last week.
PHOTO: AFP
WELLINGTON - New Zealand’s government on Thursday announced NZ$700,000 ($596,000) in additional funding to help rebuild flood-ravaged Auckland and other areas as residents of the country’s second-largest city start cleaning up.
Auckland and much of New Zealand’s upper North Island have been hit by record rainfall in the last week,
Four people died in flooding and landslides that left roads closed, cut off communities, and damaged homes, farms and businesses.
“The main thing that we have to do right now is to support people through this immediate period,” New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Thursday.
“Of course, the government is going to continue to look at how best we can support people whose lives have been turned upside down.”
The worst of the rain has passed from Auckland, although some showers are expected on Thursday afternoon, according to weather provider MetService. However, rain warnings remain in place for the regions south-east of Auckland.
“Rain falling onto already sodden ground will pool faster and impacts or delays should be expected where heavy rain falls,” MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said in a statement.
People in the city of 1.6 million are being asked to stay out of the sea and flood waters because of fears of contamination. Two hundred high-rise buildings do not have lifts operating, causing challenges for residents. Evacuation centres remain open across the city.
Summers in New Zealand usually bring some rain, but the region is experiencing the La Nina weather system, which can bring much heavier rain to the upper North Island. REUTERS
