Deluge disrupts New Zealand regions with power outages

Deluge disrupts New Zealand Regions

More than 30,000 properties across New Zealand's lower North Island have lost power due to wild winds bringing down trees and power lines. Powerco reported that about 23,000 connections were cut in the Wellington region, with over 10,000 properties there affected. Manawatū-Whanganui is under a state of emergency as severe weather conditions persist.

Evacuations are underway in Masterton, where homes on Lincoln Road face the threat of falling trees. Wairarapa assistant commander Ian Wright noted that shallow-rooted trees on the road are 'very unstable,' leading to road closures and evacuations. Air NZ has canceled flights in and out of several major centers, including Wellington, citing strong winds.

Five districts - Manawatū, Rangitīkei, Tararua, Waipā, and Ōtorohanga Districts - are in states of emergency due to the severe weather. For updates, follow RNZ's live coverage.