Rescue teams in New Zealand continued their hunt for victims on Friday after heavy rain triggered a landslide at a busy campground on the North Island. Officials said crews worked through the night and would likely spend several days searching unstable terrain for survivors.

Local authorities reported that six people were missing after the slide struck the scenic Mount Maunganui area, a popular spot for families enjoying summer holidays.

🌧️ Weather and Rescue Challenges

Heavy rains that hit the region on Thursday caused soil and debris to cascade down the hillside onto the campsite. As a result, rescue personnel faced difficult conditions while combing through rubble and overturned recreational vehicles. The unstable ground forced crews to take extra safety precautions.

Emergency services deployed diggers, search dogs and specialist teams to cover every inch of the affected area. Meanwhile, officials warned that efforts could take “days” before they complete a thorough assessment.

🧑‍🚒 Search and Rescue Operations

Police commander Tim Anderson said that the youngest missing person was just 15 years old. Officials also worked to contact three additional people who may have been at the site but had not been confirmed among the missing. “We don’t believe they’re here, but we still have to check,” Anderson said.

The wide search area and heavy debris made progress slow. Therefore, crews had to balance speed with caution to ensure safety for both survivors and rescuers.

🏠 Another Landslide Kills Two

In a separate incident, heavy rain unleashed another landslide in the nearby suburb of Papamoa, where police said two people died. One of the deceased was a foreign national, local officials confirmed, though they did not provide further details.

Authorities kept some roads closed in the worst-hit areas to prevent additional risk to residents and rescue teams.

🤝 Support and Government Response

New Zealand’s prime minister visited the scene to meet families and community members affected by the landslide. He offered support and pledged government assistance once initial rescue operations concluded and teams could assess the full scope of damage.

Officials also said they would conduct a full public review of the evacuation procedures and emergency planning once immediate efforts ended.

📍 Community Impact and Recovery

Residents of the Tauranga region held hope for survivors but also braced for difficult news. Meanwhile, recovery teams planned to remain on site as long as necessary, knowing that heavy rain and unstable ground could continue to affect operations.