Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc in New Zealand’s North Island with Landslides, Evacuations and Missing Persons

January 22, 2026

Heavy rains have caused serious damage across New Zealand’s North Island, leading to landslides, widespread evacuations, and disruptions to infrastructure. Several people are missing, and thousands have been displaced, authorities reported on Thursday.

One of the hardest-hit areas was Mount Maunganui. A powerful landslide struck a popular campsite on Thursday morning, burying structures like a campervan and restroom facilities under rubble. Emergency crews are searching for several people still unaccounted for, including children, after detecting signs of life in the debris before pulling back due to unstable ground conditions.

Homes have been evacuated, and roads are closed because of flooding and landslides affecting much of the eastern coast of the North Island, particularly in the Northland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato regions. Thousands of families have been moved to safety as emergency services and helicopter crews assist with rescues and searches.

Emergency Management officials noted that heavy rain hit almost the entire eastern coast, flooding low-lying areas, cutting power supplies, and leaving some small communities cut off. At least one more person remains missing after being swept away in floodwaters, while others were rescued from rooftops and other dangerous situations.

This severe weather came after days of heavy rain connected to a tropical low-pressure system. Red heavy rain warnings, the highest alert, were issued for several regions before conditions eased somewhat on Thursday. Authorities have emphasized the need for continued caution, as saturated ground raises the risk of more landslides and flooding.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and senior officials are closely watching the response. Local councils are organizing evacuation efforts and emergency responses. Transport authorities reported many road closures, which have left some towns isolated due to damaged infrastructure.

The severe weather has raised worries for both holidaymakers and local residents. Travel disruptions and safety warnings are in effect as recovery and search operations continue.