NZ’s capital declares state of emergency after record-breaking rain

WorldEnvironment
20 Apr 2026 • 1:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

NZ’s capital declares state of emergency after record-breaking rain

  • New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, declared a state of emergency on Monday following record-breaking torrential rainfall overnight.
  • The city experienced 77mm of rain in less than an hour, leading to widespread flash floods, landslides, and road closures.
  • Residents in low-lying areas were asked to evacuate, and emergency services responded to over 150 weather-related callouts, including flooded homes.
  • Authorities urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, warning of dangerous river conditions, hazardous driving, and dangerous seas.
  • A heavy rain warning remains in place until Tuesday night, with meteorologists anticipating further severe weather and an increased threat to life.

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