Three dead after ‘record’ flooding in Auckland

Torrential rain in Auckland has left three people dead after widespread flooding hit New Zealand’s largest city.

Authorities in New Zealand’s biggest city have begun clean up efforts after torrential rains resulted in widespread flooding.

Police on Saturday confirmed three men have been found dead following Friday’s deluge, which saw a record 249mm rainfall over 24 hours.

Some places experienced more than 150mm of rain over a three-hour period.

Footage captured by residents of the city on Friday evening showed the chaos unfolding as vehicles were swept away and homes were inundated.

New Zealand’s weather forecaster said while heavy rain had eased, more downpours were possible on Sunday.

🌧 Rainfall totals so far during this event

📈 Many other stations around Auckland city recorded similar amounts between 250-300mm, with peak hourly rainfall of 60-80mm/h yesterday evening which are almost unheard of for NZ

💦 Rain still underway for most of the North Island pic.twitter.com/5xLoLQhP58

— MetService (@MetService) January 28, 2023

A state of emergency has been issued for Auckland, as floodwaters overwhelmed homes and businesses.

The country’s new Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, told media more than 2000 people were stranded at the city’s airport overnight.

“The levels of devastation in some areas is considerable,” he said.

“My thoughts are with everyone in Auckland as they wake up this morning to survey the damage and as they face an uncertain day ahead.”

#Floods. Thought and prayers for all those in Auckland #Newzealandpic.twitter.com/cOqWNtlmid

— Kusm Nole, PHD. (@Fuzzyzespri) January 27, 2023

Auckland’s road network has been “badly impacted”, according to the City’s emergency management agency, urging everyone to postpone travel plans.

“Auckland was clobbered on Friday – Auckland’s wettest day on record – and today we start the clean-up,” Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Andrew Clark said in a statement.

Emergency services responded to over 2000 calls for assistance, including for people trapped in homes and cars.