Mount Maunganui Landslide: Campervans Hit, Two Missing | Splittly

Emergency services are scrambling at Mount Maunganui after a massive landslide, triggered by torrential rain, struck a holiday park area. Reports confirm that campervans have been hit by the slip, and fears are growing for two people currently unaccounted for.

Chaos at the Mount

The incident occurred early this morning as a severe weather system battered the North Island. Witnesses described a "roaring sound" as mud and debris came crashing down the hillside, engulfing vehicles parked below.

"It happened so fast. One minute it was just raining hard, the next minute the hill was moving," said a tourist staying nearby.

Widespread Disruption

The slip is part of a wider weather event causing havoc across the region. Highways have been closed due to flooding and fallen trees, and thousands of homes are without power. Civil Defence has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel.

Rescue crews are working in dangerous conditions to locate the missing individuals, but continuous rain is hampering efforts.

Safety Warning

Authorities are warning that the ground remains unstable. If you are in the Bay of Plenty area, please heed all official warnings. Avoid coastal walkways and steep cliffs until the weather system passes and geotechnical assessments can be made.