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Home > Headlines > Severe weather in New Zealand's North Island prompts evacuations

Severe weather in New Zealand's North Island prompts evacuations

Published by Global Banking and Finance Review

Posted on January 20, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Quick Summary

Severe weather in New Zealand's North Island leads to evacuations and a search for a missing man. Authorities warn of flooding and landslides.

Severe Weather Triggers Evacuations in New Zealand's North Island

Impact of Severe Weather in New Zealand

By Lucy Craymer

Evacuations and Safety Measures

WELLINGTON, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Authorities urged evacuations in some low-lying areas of New Zealand's North Island on Wednesday and police searched for a missing man who was swept away in a river after continued heavy rain and strong winds triggered flooding, swollen rivers and landslides.

Emergency Response and Updates

Local councils across the north asked residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground and others to prepare to evacuate if needed. Several roads were closed because of slips and flooding, the New Zealand Transport Agency said.

Missing Person Search

Images shared on news sites showed flooded farmland and surface water across roads.

Weather Warnings and Forecast

Police said a man was missing after he was washed away with his vehicle during a river crossing near Warkworth earlier on Wednesday.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell told Radio New Zealand he was most concerned about the Northland region, including the town of Oakura and surrounding areas.

"They're basically fully saturated in terms of the ground ... and we've got more coming," Mitchell said.

National forecaster MetService issued warnings for much of the top half of the North Island, saying there was a threat to life from dangerous river conditions, significant flooding and landslides, with travel disruption likely and some communities potentially isolated.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Jamie Freed)

Key Takeaways

•Authorities urge evacuations in New Zealand's North Island.
•Heavy rain and strong winds cause flooding and landslides.
•Police search for a missing man swept away in a river.
•MetService issues severe weather warnings for North Island.
•Travel disruptions and potential isolation for some communities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Severe weather in New Zealand's North Island prompts evacuations

1What is emergency response?

Emergency response refers to the organized approach to addressing and managing the aftermath of an emergency situation, such as natural disasters, to minimize harm and ensure public safety.

2What is disaster management?

Disaster management encompasses the planning, coordination, and implementation of measures to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of disasters.

3What is a weather warning?

A weather warning is an alert issued by meteorological authorities to inform the public about severe weather conditions that could pose risks to life and property.

Impact of Severe Weather in New Zealand

By Lucy Craymer

Evacuations and Safety Measures

Emergency Response and Updates

Missing Person Search

Images shared on news sites showed flooded farmland and surface water across roads.

Weather Warnings and Forecast

Police said a man was missing after he was washed away with his vehicle during a river crossing near Warkworth earlier on Wednesday.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell told Radio New Zealand he was most concerned about the Northland region, including the town of Oakura and surrounding areas.

"They're basically fully saturated in terms of the ground ... and we've got more coming," Mitchell said.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Jamie Freed)

Key Takeaways

•Authorities urge evacuations in New Zealand's North Island.

•Heavy rain and strong winds cause flooding and landslides.

•Police search for a missing man swept away in a river.

•MetService issues severe weather warnings for North Island.

•Travel disruptions and potential isolation for some communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is emergency response?

Emergency response refers to the organized approach to addressing and managing the aftermath of an emergency situation, such as natural disasters, to minimize harm and ensure public safety.

2What is disaster management?

Disaster management encompasses the planning, coordination, and implementation of measures to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the impacts of disasters.

3What is a weather warning?

A weather warning is an alert issued by meteorological authorities to inform the public about severe weather conditions that could pose risks to life and property.