The search to find the lacking Year 11 Whangārei Boys High School scholar is being hampered by the damaging climate, with New Zealand Police confirming the search was suspended at 3pm AEST (5pm native time), as night time fell.
The moist climate is being pushed by a big rain band, which is producing intense storms and heavy showers.
“Search and Rescue, USAR, Fire and Emergency, alongside Police, have been searching for the unaccounted student this afternoon since reports were initially received around 10.26am this morning.
“The search is anticipated to renew at first gentle tomorrow, a cordon will stay in place this night and in a single day.”
Police confirmed the student, 14 of his classmates, and two adults were on an outdoor education school trip at the caves, on Abbey Caves Road, on Tuesday morning when they encountered difficulty.
Superintendent Tony Hill, Northland District Commander, said the incident is tragic and added police would not speculate further about what happened as the situation is still unfolding.
“Our ideas are with the family and friends of the unaccounted-for scholar and Family Liaison Officers and Victim Support have measures in place to take care of them.”
The excursion was modified due to forecasted “unhealthy climate” and the group went caving instead.
According to the Whangārei District Council website, the Abbey Caves are prone to flash flooding.
It suggests individuals test the climate forecast earlier than visiting.
The dangerous weather system is now moving to the north-east.
“The heaviest rain is now shifting east throughout Bay of Plenty. Rotorua recorded over 20mm between 3 and 4pm with extra nonetheless to come back,” the Met Service wrote.
A severe weather warning is in force for the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island.
Auckland declares state of emergency
The latest developments come after Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown declared a State of Local Emergency for the city, as major roads closed and homes were inundated.
Brown said he delegated his responsibilities and powers to Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson as he’s “in Sydney on Council business”.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received 277 weather-related calls for help between Northland and Auckland in the seven hours from 8am to 3pm.
More than half of these calls came between midday and 1pm.
Rain is now easing in the capital, Met Service said.
“We are usually not anticipating the identical rainfall intensities there as we noticed earlier,” it said.
However, Brad Mosby, on-call Commander for Tāmaki Makaurau, urges people to be cautious and prepared.
“It’s tough to guage the depth and currents throughout the daytime and inconceivable at night time.”
At approximately 12pm, with the approval of the mayor, Auckland Emergency Management issued a region-wide emergency mobile alert.
“I’m urging Aucklanders to stay calm however be vigilant. Please steer clear of floodwaters and open drains. It is vital that you just comply with the official recommendation of Auckland Emergency Management and Auckland Transport,” Brown said.
Most of the callouts reported to Fire and Emergency New Zealand have been from Auckland, Brad Mosby, on-call Commander for Tāmaki Makaurau, said.
Mosby said these call-outs mostly include flooding entering buildings.
“However, some slips and fallen bushes have been recorded with one tree catching hearth as a consequence of lightning.”
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Source: www.9news.com.au
