Weather & Science
Severe Rain Sparks Flooding Chaos in New Zealand’s Capital
Surf lifeguards monitor the area to help with flood risks in Warkworth, New Zealand, following Cyclone Vaianu on April 12.
Photographer: Fiona Goodall/Getty ImagesNew Zealand’s capital, Wellington, was hit by flash flooding after torrential rain inundated the city center, triggering landslides and forcing evacuations.
A state of emergency was declared for the region on Monday afternoon local time, while forecaster MetService upgraded its heavy rain warning to red, the highest level, which indicates a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and slips. One man is missing from his flood-hit Wellington house, police said.