New Zealand Capital Declares State Of Emergency Amid Flooding

WELLINGTON, April 20 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- A state of emergency was declared in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, on Monday after torrential rain triggered severe flooding and landslides, leaving a man unaccounted for, reported Xinhua.

Police said they are searching for Philip Sutton, a man in his 60s from the suburb of Karori, who was reported missing after floodwaters and debris struck his home.

The region remains under a high-risk red heavy rain warning until Tuesday night, according to the country’s meteorological service.

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to self-evacuate over the next 24 hours, although no mandatory evacuations have been issued so far.

An emergency assistance centre has been opened for those displaced.

Some areas in the lower North Island are still cleaning up after flash floods on Sunday.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA