Multiple people are still missing after landslides tore through a popular tourist area in New Zealand on Thursday, Jan. 22, triggering urgent rescue operations across two nearby sites.
Authorities reported two deaths in the town of Welcome Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. At the same time, emergency crews launched a separate search-and-rescue response after a landslide struck nearby Mount Maunganui — an extinct volcanic dome known for its sandy beaches and hiking trails.
New Zealand Police said in a Facebook post that rescue efforts remain “ongoing,” and Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson confirmed that the two operations were being run at the same time.
“Police, alongside Fire and Emergency NZ are working to locate and rescue people trapped in a landslide that came down off Mount Maunganui at 9:30 a.m. [local time] today,” Anderson said.
Police also said a campsite had been evacuated, adding that “several people” were currently “unaccounted for.”
“Members of the Mount Maunganui campsite have been evacuated and directed to the nearby Surf Club,” police said in the Facebook post.
In a separate release, police confirmed the two deaths in Welcome Bay after a house “was extensively damaged by a landslide.”
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“Both people are sadly deceased,” officers said. “Police are working to support their loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.”
According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), a young girl was among those missing after the Mount Maunganui landslide, with the outlet citing Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell. RNZ also reported that additional children may be unaccounted for.
Fire and Emergency commander William Pike said at a media conference that first responders heard voices from under the rubble when they first arrived — but nothing since — according to RNZ. He said crews would continue searching.
The New Zealand Herald reported that as many as nine people may be unaccounted for after the Mount Maunganui landslide, citing a source involved in the rescue efforts. Police had previously said the number “is in the single figures,” per the outlet.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called the events a “profound tragedy,” via an X post. He said his thoughts were “with the families who have lost loved ones, and with those whose family members remain unaccounted for.”
“These losses are deeply shattering, and New Zealand is heavy with grief,” Luxon wrote.
“The rescue effort continues, and the Government stands with affected communities during this response, and we will continue to stand with them throughout the recovery ahead,” he added.
“Amid this tragedy, we have once again seen the very best of New Zealand. Emergency responders, local marae, the Defence Force, and many everyday Kiwis have put themselves in harm’s way to support their fellow New Zealanders. On behalf of the country, thank you,” the prime minister concluded.
An Australian tourist, Sonny Warrall, described the moment the Mount Maunganui landslide hit, saying he feared for his life and was “still shaking” as he spoke about what he saw. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) he had been swimming when the chaos erupted.
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“People were in the pools, and they were jumping out, running, people were screaming. It was insane, I just couldn’t believe it,” he said, adding, “It all happened in a flash, I was definitely fearing for my life.”
Anderson praised the response from authorities and described the incidents as “one in 100 years events,” according to the New Zealand Police Facebook post.
“We have already seen countless examples over the last 24 hours of Police staff putting their lives at risk to protect members of the public through evacuations,” he said.
“A number of additional staff were rostered to work overnight to assist with evacuations and our emergency response,” he continued, adding, “This community is a very tight-knit community, and now more than ever, we need to band together to support one another.”
“Police are offering ongoing support to those impacted by the weather, and will continue to provide necessary support for the community,” Anderson said.
