New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins Declares Auckland State of Emergency After Adverse Weather

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins declared a state of emergency in Auckland after heavy rains and adverse weather conditions hit the area on Saturday.

At a press conference given on Saturday along with other authorities, Hipkins reported that at least three people had died and one person is missing as a result of the weather.

Hipkins also allocated 100,000 local dollars (about 65,000 US dollars) to help communities in Auckland, which is New Zealand’s most populous city, after the floods. He called it “an unprecedented event in recent memory.”

Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown described the past night as “tough night” for citizens and administration. He further added that the Auckland emergency management department confirmed that it was the rainiest day ever recorded in the city, thus prompting authorities to urge citizens to avoid areas with water and stay at home.

Videos circulating on social networks showed streets, supermarkets and an airport terminal flooded due to the heavy rainfall. Music festival with the singer Elton John had to be cancelled due to the bad weather. The emergency service also warned that Auckland’s road network had been seriously affected due to the flooding and urged citizens to postpone any trips if possible.