New Zealand: Mass evacuations ordered as cyclone bears down on North Island

A state of emergency has been declared across parts of the North Island of New Zealand as residents brace for the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu, with authorities warning of damaging winds, intense rainfall and widespread disruption.

Forecasters expect the cyclone to make landfall within hours, bringing wind speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour and heavy downpours across affected regions, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Emergency services have warned of potential flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable coastal and hillside areas.

Sea levels have already risen significantly in some locations, with water recorded at around six metres above normal in parts near Auckland, the country’s largest city. Officials have cautioned that coastal surges could worsen as the storm system moves in, with waves forecast to reach up to 13 metres in exposed areas.

Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate, while multiple regions on the North Island have declared a formal state of emergency. Authorities are urging people to move to higher ground, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow evacuation instructions.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon warned that significant damage and power outages are likely, and called on communities to check on vulnerable neighbours. “If you can, please also check in on your neighbours and see how they are doing,” he said.

The approaching cyclone has revived concerns in New Zealand about extreme weather preparedness. In 2023, the country was hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, which killed 11 people and left thousands displaced due to flooding and landslides—one of the most severe natural disasters in recent decades.

By Aghakazim Guliyev