Flooding in Tirohia, near Paeroa, after severe weather hit the North Island on. Photo / Jason Dorday
Severe weather has forced evacuations, triggered rescues and caused widespread disruption across the upper North Island as heavy rain and strong winds battered communities overnight.
Multiple areas remain in states of emergency as rescue teams evacuate residents by boat and land, and respond to reports ofhomes damaged by slips.
Floodwaters have cut off access to towns, closed key highways, and left thousands without power as conditions slowly ease, but not without leaving hazards behind after days of heavy rain.
As daylight emerged, so did photographs showing the devastation left behind.
Police have confirmed emergency services are trying to find several people who may be buried.
A Mt Maunganui campsite suffered a slip.
Emergency services searching for people after a slip at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.
A large-scale emergency operation is underway at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park following a large landslide, with reports multiple people are unaccounted for. Photo / Cameron Avery
Several rescued from rooftop near Te Araroa
There was a scene of devastation at Punaruku near Te Araroa this morning.
Several people were rescued from a rooftop there as floodwaters surrounded a home.
Damage at Te Araroa this morning. Photo / Tairawhiti - Fire and Emergency NZ Facebook page
Vast flooding in Tirohia
Murky floodwaters are nearing homes in Tirohia, near Paeroa.
Tirohia, near Paeroa, has been inundated. Photo / Jason Dorday
Storm damage at Punaruku Bridge
Storm damage at Punaruku Bridge near Tokomaru Bay has tipped trees onto the road and tilted nearby powerlines.
Storm damage at Punaruku Bridge. Photo / Tairawhiti - Fire and Emergency Facebook page
Waihī flooding seen from Anthree
Extensive flooding can be seen from Anthree overlooking the estuary towards Waihī.
Flooding in Anthenree.
Tairua local returns home to slip
Eve Roper was out with her sons helping people with sandbags when they returned home to find a slip at her property on Motuhoa Rd.
