Auckland declares state of emergency as heavy rain causes widespread flooding

The authorities are currently engaged in search and rescue operations for a high school student who went missing in a flooded cave located north of the city.

The downpour on Tuesday caused various issues, including flooded basements, stranded vehicles, fallen trees, and disruptions in rail services.

It is worth noting that the same area experienced record-breaking rainfall in January and was affected by Cyclone Gabrielle a month later.

The torrential rains are anticipated to persist until Wednesday evening, according to local time.

“Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported around 280 flooding-related callouts. By 6pm this evening, just five of those remained active. Police reported more than 250 weather-related jobs between midday and 4.30 pm,” Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said on Facebook.

“It is important to remember that even as the weather improves, not all streams and rivers have reached their peak. It can take time for the rain that has fallen in the hills to make its way down stream,” she warned. (ILKHA)