A Devastating Turn of Events: landslide at New Zealand Camping Site Leaves Several Missing
In a tragic turn of events, a landslide that struck a camping site at the base of Mount Maunganui in New Zealand's North Island has left several people missing. The incident, described as a "major incident" by emergency services, occurred around 9:30 am, affecting campervans, cars, tents, and a toilet and shower block.
Among the missing is a young girl, confirmed by Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell. RNZ understands that other children may also be unaccounted for. Emergency services, including sniffer dogs, are currently searching for anyone trapped at the Beachside Holiday Park, located about 230 kilometers southeast of Auckland.
A local resident, Robyn, who lives near the campground, witnessed emergency staff digging through the mud. She reported that no one had been found yet, and that people were digging for about an hour before stopping. She also noted that ambulances left the scene without anyone inside, while police remained.
Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale described the situation as evolving, stating that they are working through lists of those who are checked in. The ablution block is the biggest area of concern, but there are also campervans and tents in the area.
A witness, Nix Jaques, was about to walk up the mountain when she heard an incredibly loud noise. She turned around and saw the land coming down onto some structures, including vehicles and an ablution block. She spoke to a couple missing a child and tried to help in the early stages, but said emergency services arrived quite quickly afterwards.
St John Ambulance declared a major incident, and there are police, firefighters, and ambulance workers at the scene. Fire and Emergency's shift manager, Paul Radden, confirmed that 40 firefighters, including an urban search and rescue team, are responding to the incident.
