Mount Maunganui Landslide Tragedy | Splittly

A popular holiday spot has turned into a scene of devastation as a massive landslide at Mount Maunganui has left two teenagers missing, with rescue crews battling treacherous conditions.

Holiday Horror

The teens, identified as students from Pakūranga College, were holidaying in the area when the slip occurred following days of heavy rain. Witnesses described a terrifying roar as earth and debris swept down the hillside, engulfing a section of the track and nearby structures.

"It happened in seconds," one survivor recalled. "One minute we were walking, the next the ground just gave way." Emergency services responded immediately, but unstable ground and continuing rain have hampered search efforts.

A Nation Prays

The incident has sparked an outpouring of support from across New Zealand. Vigils are being held in local communities, and the families of the missing teens are receiving support from victim support groups. The tragedy has also raised urgent questions about land stability and climate resilience in the region, with experts warning that such events may become more frequent.

Conclusion

As the search continues, hope remains, though it is tempered by the harsh reality of the conditions. Mount Maunganui, usually a place of joy and summer memories, now stands as a somber reminder of nature's power.