A powerful cyclone has struck New Zealand’s North Island, leaving thousands without electricity and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as authorities warn that conditions are expected to deteriorate further.
Cyclone Vaianu brought destructive winds exceeding 130 kph, heavy rainfall and large ocean swells even before making landfall on Sunday afternoon, according to the country’s weather service MetService.
Emergency officials have declared states of emergency in several regions and issued red-level wind warnings, which are reserved for the most severe weather conditions. Authorities said the storm has already caused widespread disruption across affected areas.
New Zealand’s Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said the cyclone had shifted slightly eastward, sparing Auckland from the worst impact but still bringing strong winds and dangerous sea conditions to surrounding regions.
He added that while the change in the cyclone’s path was a relief, further intensification was expected as the system moved closer to land, particularly during high tide when coastal flooding risks are higher.
Officials have warned that the combination of storm surge and large swells could lead to coastal inundation in vulnerable areas, raising concerns for communities along the shoreline.
The cyclone has already cut power to around 5,000 homes, with crews managing to restore electricity to about 2,000 households so far, while evacuation efforts continue in high-risk zones.
New Zealand Defence Force personnel and heavy equipment have been deployed to assist emergency operations and support affected communities.
Meteorologists recorded wind gusts exceeding 130 kph in some regions, along with heavy 24-hour rainfall totals of over 100 mm in parts of the North Island.
The storm has drawn comparisons to Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which caused widespread devastation and remains one of the country’s most destructive natural disasters in recent years.
