In a tragic event early Thursday morning, two bodies were discovered following a landslide in Papamoa.
The victims were found inside a home that suffered significant destruction due to the slip.
Situated about 17 kilometers northeast, rescue teams worked tirelessly overnight to locate several individuals still missing after a landslide devastated sections of a favored holiday destination.
The Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park was also impacted by a landslide yesterday morning, which inflicted damage on caravans, a toilet block, vehicles, and tents.
Authorities set up a command post at the Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club to manage a list of campers and determine who was missing.
Search dogs were utilized to locate at least six people still missing, including several children.
They remain unaccounted for.
An ambulance was seen arriving at the site of the landslide this morning with lights flashing.
A hearse was also sighted leaving the site, according to Stuff.
There are concerns that severe weather could impact the ongoing search for survivors as heavy rain, strong wind and thunderstorms loom.
Heavy rain is expected across parts of New Zealand’s North Island from today until Sunday, with storms predicted for some regions.
Strong winds will also buffet the Bay of Plenty tomorrow.
New Zealand’s Civil Defence has urged residents to stay vigilant, as the weather conditions could contribute to additional landslides.
Papamoa and Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park weren’t the only areas hit with landslides yesterday.
Whangaruru suffered a major slip that has cut off multiple communities from the rest of the island, leaving hundreds stranded amid floods.
Tairawhiti also recorded multiple slips, which are reportedly affecting roads, and at least one smaller slip has hit Auckland.
