Lalrp.org:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Authorities in Auckland declared a state of emergency Tuesday as flooding once more hit New Zealand’s largest metropolis.

Additional north within the metropolis of Whangārei, a highschool pupil was lacking after a college group that was exploring caves acquired into bother when floodwaters hit.

Fireplace and emergency crews mentioned they’d responded to greater than 200 calls, most of them in Auckland. Many have been for floodwaters getting into buildings, however they’d additionally responded to landslides, falling bushes and trapped automobiles.

Extreme climate has plagued the North Island this yr. In January, four people were killed when floodwaters hit Auckland. In February, 11 individuals died when Cyclone Gabrielle hit.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins mentioned it was a troublesome time for the area.

“We are going to get by this. We are going to assist Auckland by it,” he instructed reporters. “We all know that it’s powerful approaching high of all the things else that they’ve been coping with, however proper now my request to individuals is simply to maintain your self protected.”

Authorities mentioned heavy rain was anticipated to proceed on and off by till midnight, though they hoped essentially the most extreme downpours could have already handed. Some practice and bus providers have been canceled, and authorities urged individuals to keep away from pointless journey.

Police mentioned a bunch of scholars had been doing an train on the Abbey Caves in Whangārei after they acquired into bother. Search and rescue crews have been looking for the lacking pupil, police mentioned, whereas the opposite college students had made it out safely.

Native media reported the lacking boy had been swept away by floodwaters.

Hipkins mentioned he was nonetheless looking for extra info on what had occurred to the scholar.

“I do need to categorical my deep concern there and my absolute assist for the varsity neighborhood,” Hipkins mentioned.