Recovery Mission Continues for Six Presumed Dead in New Zealand Landslide
Authorities in New Zealand have confirmed that the search for six individuals, now presumed deceased following a catastrophic landslide at a popular coastal campsite, is likely to extend for several more days. The devastating incident occurred at the Beachside Holiday Park, situated at the base of Mount Maunganui, locally known as Mauao, after intense rainfall from a summer storm lashed the North Island last Thursday.
Dangerous Conditions Hamper Recovery Efforts
Among those missing, whose ages range from 15 to 71, are a Swedish tourist and a teenager originally from Italy. Recovery operations were temporarily halted over the weekend due to concerns about unstable terrain but recommenced on Monday, with teams confronting perilous conditions. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson emphasised the challenges, stating, "We're just holding out for the weather to improve because moisture is the enemy at this point. The ground is saturated and what we need is days of fine weather."
The landslide unleashed a torrent of mud from the mountain, striking the campsite in a picturesque beachside location. Photographic evidence reveals vehicles, travel trailers, and an amenities block utterly crushed by debris. Initially, rescuers reported hearing voices from beneath the rubble on Thursday, but by Saturday, officials concluded that survival was unlikely for any of the missing.
Victims Identified as Storm's Toll Rises
The six individuals have been formally identified as:
- Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50
- Måns Loke Bernhardsson, 20
- Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71
- Susan Doreen Knowles, 71
- Sharon Maccanico, 15
- Max Furse-Kee, 15
This tragedy unfolded during New Zealand's peak summer holiday period, compounding the distress. The storm responsible for the landslide also claimed three additional lives elsewhere. On Thursday, two people perished when a separate landslide buried a house in nearby Pāpāmoa. Furthermore, a 47-year-old man from Kiribati was swept away by floodwaters while driving north of Auckland on Wednesday; his body was recovered on Saturday.
Record Rainfall and Evacuation Questions Emerge
Parts of the North Island experienced record-breaking rainfall during the deluge. Notably, the city of Tauranga, where Mount Maunganui is located, recorded its wettest 24-hour period since 1910. This extreme weather has prompted scrutiny over whether evacuation orders should have been issued prior to the campsite disaster.
On Monday, the fire service disclosed that it had relayed a warning from a member of the public about a potential slip near the holiday park to the Tauranga City Council, the landowner, approximately four hours before the fatal landslide occurred. In response, the council has announced it will conduct an independent inquiry into the events leading up to the incident.
The ongoing recovery operation underscores the severe impact of the storm and the complex challenges faced by emergency services in navigating hazardous conditions to bring closure to the affected families.
