State of emergency declared in Wellington as record rainfall triggers flash floods and landslides

Wellington, New Zealand has declared a state of emergency after torrential rain caused severe flash flooding and landslides across the city. The downpour, which brought a record 77mm of rain in under an hour, submerged roads, damaged homes, and disrupted transport and schools. More than a dozen people have been evacuated and one man is missing, though no deaths have been reported. Authorities are warning residents to stay indoors as more heavy rain is expected.

New Zealand has declared a state of emergency in Wellington after intense rainfall caused widespread flash flooding and landslides across the capital and surrounding areas of the North Island. The severe weather brought significant disruption to daily life, with roads submerged, trees uprooted, and homes damaged as water levels rose rapidly in several suburbs.
Authorities said Wellington experienced an extraordinary 77mm of rain in less than an hour on Monday, overwhelming drainage systems and triggering sudden flooding in both residential and commercial areas. The mayor of Wellington, Andrew Little, described the situation as serious and rapidly evolving, noting that the flooding was strong enough to move vehicles and dislodge manhole covers, highlighting the force of the water as it swept through parts of the city.
Emergency services have been actively responding to multiple incidents across the region. More than a dozen people have been evacuated from affected areas, while one 60-year-old man has been reported missing in the Karori suburb. Officials have not reported any confirmed fatalities so far, but search and monitoring efforts are ongoing as conditions remain unstable and dangerous.
The flooding has also caused widespread disruption to infrastructure and public services. Several flights at Wellington Airport were cancelled due to unsafe conditions, while multiple schools closed their campuses as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff. Transportation networks have been heavily impacted, with roads blocked or damaged by floodwaters and landslides, making movement across parts of the city difficult.
Residents across different suburbs have described frightening experiences as water levels rose quickly. In Kingston, one resident reported that a nearby landslide buried a road during the early hours of Monday, forcing people to escape using alternative means, including riding on motorbikes. In Mornington, another resident described his garden being completely submerged, with floodwater flowing through the area like a river and covering all visible ground.
Authorities have urged people in the Wellington region to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as further heavy rainfall is expected. The emergency management office has specifically advised those living in low-lying or flood-prone areas to consider relocating temporarily to safer locations, such as staying with friends or family, for at least the next 24 hours. Residents have also been encouraged to closely follow official updates and act early if evacuation becomes necessary.
The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, warned that the worst of the weather may still be ahead, with forecasts indicating continued heavy rain into the evening. He stressed the importance of preparedness, urging residents to make evacuation decisions early rather than waiting until conditions worsen.
Temporary shelter arrangements have been activated for those displaced, with the Wellington City Mission providing accommodation support for individuals unable to remain in their homes.
This extreme weather event follows closely after Cyclone Vaianu affected parts of New Zealand’s North Island, adding to concerns about increasingly severe weather patterns. While investigations into the full impact are still ongoing, officials continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency response teams work to manage flooding, clear debris, and assist affected communities.