Philip Sutton, who is in his 60s is missing after flood damage to his South Karori Rd home.
Police have called off today’s search for a missing Wellington man, with plans to resume once weather conditions improve.
Philip Sutton, who is in his 60s, is unaccounted for in the suburb of Karori amid extreme weather in the capital.
Emergency services were contacted about 7.15am by a concernedmember of Sutton’s family. His South Karori Rd residence was found to have been affected by floodwaters and debris.
Multiple police vehicles could be seen at the rural address, with trees and debris blocking the road.
Police and neighbours near the property on South Karori Rd, Wellington, where a man is missing after flash flooding early this morning. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Wellington district prevention manager Inspector Fleur de Bes said search teams spent hours in “challenging conditions” clearing the property, however, Sutton could not be found.
“We have cleared his residence, but the weather has hampered aspects of the search and made searching some flooded areas too dangerous,” de Bes said.
“We will continue to make inquiries and will resume the search as soon as conditions allow.”
Missing Karori man Philip Sutton. Photo / Police
Police urge anyone with information about Sutton’s whereabouts to contact them on 111, quoting reference number P066139448.
“I would like to thank those involved in the effort to find Philip, and the media for their assistance. We will provide further updates when they become available.”
State of emergency declared
A state of emergency has been declared for the Wellington region, after homes have been damaged by slips and roads flooded.
The declaration was made by Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management Group controller Carrie Mckenzie and applies across the Wellington region.
“This is a serious weather event with ongoing and evolving risks,” Mckenzie said.
“We are preparing for further severe weather across the Wellington region until midnight Tuesday April 21, with heavy rain warnings in effect for Wellington, Tararua Range and Kāpiti Coast.”
