Heavy rains caused flooding and evacuations in Auckland, leading to the cancellation of an Elton John concert and the declaration of a state of emergency by the city’s mayor.
The state of emergency was declared due to the extent of damage, displacement, and disruption caused by the weather, and to allow response agencies to use more powers.
Northern, northwestern, and western parts of the city were particularly affected by the flooding, with conditions expected to worsen.
Rescue efforts were underway, with firefighters, police, and defense force staff using ropes and rescue boats to save stranded people from flooded homes.
Major roads were also blocked by the floods, causing long traffic queues on highways. Police asked people to stay off the roads if possible.
Auckland Airport closed both the domestic and international airport due to widespread flooding.
The Elton John concert, which was expected to be attended by around 40,000 people, was cancelled.
Auckland Transport said in a statement on Twitter that they were working to redirect special event buses to help get people back home.