Search efforts are ongoing across the Bay of Plenty as emergency services work to rescue people in slips the region.
Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson says two rescue operations are concurrently running at Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay Road.
“Police, alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand are working to locate and rescue people trapped in a landslide that came down off Mount Maunganui at 9:30am today.
“Work is also continuing to locate two people that are unaccounted for after a slip came down towards properties on Welcome Bay Road overnight.”
Patrons of the Mount Maunganui campsite have been evacuated and directed to the nearby Surf Club.
Police are urging members of the public to avoid the Mount to allow emergency services to have the space to work safely.
“The last thing we need is rubberneckers in the area.”
A number of roads around the Bay of Plenty remain closed, people are advised to not travel unless it is absolutely necessary to.
Superintendent Anderson commends the bravery shown by staff responding to these events described as ‘one in 100 years events.’
“We have already seen countless examples over the last 24 hours of Police staff putting their lives at risk to protect members of the public through evacuations.
“A number of additional staff were rostered to work overnight to assist with evacuations and our emergency response.
“This community is a very tight-knit community, and now more than ever, we need to band together to support one another.
“Police are offering ongoing support to those impacted by the weather, and will continue to provide necessary support for the community.”
We’re asking people to reach out to anyone they know in the Bay of Plenty to ensure they are safe and well.
If you cannot get hold of somebody, or are worried about them, you can contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz
You can also visit the Police website here to make a report if you cannot get hold of somebody, or report yourself safe if you are in an impacted area.
If you or anybody else is in a life-threatening situation, please call 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
