Wellington Flooded as Heavy Rain Urges Evacuation in Low-lying Areas

Heavy rain drenched New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, on Monday, prompting residents in low-lying areas to evacuate. Mayor Andrew Little told Radio New Zealand that 77 mm (3 inches) of rain fell in less than an hour, the heaviest rainfall on record for the city.

Flash flooding overnight caused road closures and landslides in central business district and southern suburbs. People had to escape flooded homes during the night, with at least one landslide hitting a home. The Fire and Emergency service responded to 150 calls for assistance overnight.

A search was underway for a man living at a property that was flooded in Karori suburb. Weather forecasters warned that rain could worsen later on Monday. Residents in flood-prone areas were advised to move to higher ground for at least the next 24 hours. An evacuation center has been set up for those needing to leave their homes.