Residents of Wellington, New Zealand, are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating storm that unleashed record-breaking rainfall, triggering landslides and severe flooding across the capital. The extreme weather event has left one man missing and forced many to share harrowing stories of survival as floodwaters rose rapidly and hillsides gave way.
Record Rainfall and Widespread Damage
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little reported that the city was drenched by 77 mm (3 inches) of rain in less than an hour, marking the heaviest rainfall on record for the area. This deluge overwhelmed drainage systems and saturated the hilly terrain, leading to widespread chaos. Fire and emergency services responded to over 150 calls for assistance, with various streets evacuated due to the imminent danger.
Missing Man and Property Destruction
Philip Sutton is missing after floodwaters smashed through a property he was looking after for his sister in Karori, located in Wellington's west. Local reports indicate that Sutton has not been seen since the early hours of Monday morning when the torrent struck. Tim McPherson, who assisted with cleanup efforts near the site, described the flooding as the worst he had ever witnessed in the region. He explained that a large macrocarpa tree fell and dammed a nearby river, causing water to surge over the road and wash away a car, ultimately leading to the flooding of Sutton's home.
Residents' Narrow Escapes
Other Wellington residents recounted terrifying experiences as they evaded landslides and escaped rising waters. CJ Koshar, a resident of Brooklyn, was asleep when he was awakened by a loud rumbling noise from his roof. Within seconds, cracks appeared in his bedroom wall, and the entire structure collapsed. Koshar attempted to hold up the wall but quickly realized his efforts were futile and managed to escape just in time. Photographs of his two-story house revealed the extensive damage, with the wall caved in on his bedroom.
An 87-year-old woman shared that she was woken by her dog and had to scramble to the top of her wardrobe as floodwaters rapidly filled her home. Social media images depicted the storm's fury, showing cars battered and overturned, with one vehicle even perched on a fence after being carried away by the floodwaters.
Infrastructure Disruptions and Ongoing Response
The storm caused significant disruptions to Wellington's infrastructure. The Mt Victoria tunnel, a key arterial link in the city, was closed during the worst of the rainfall due to safety concerns. Photographs circulated online showed workers clearing landslides from roads that wind through Wellington's hilly urban landscape, highlighting the challenges of recovery in such terrain.
Although weather warnings have been downgraded, a state of emergency remains in effect for the Wellington region as authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate response efforts. The community is rallying together to clean up debris and support those affected by this unprecedented natural disaster.
